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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Glass Create Sustainable Living in Dubai's Modern Residential Design

Authors:
Sherif Hakim, Aya Hesham Said Fahmy Fathy, Engy Ahmed Ahmed Fathy Alashqar
Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Glass Create Sustainable Living in Dubai's Modern Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and UV laminated glass, this contemporary residence in Dubai harmonizes traditional materials with modern sustainability practices to create an efficient and adaptable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for effective thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard for natural cooling and ventilation.
04
Adapts a bent A-frame design for enhanced aesthetics and functionality.
05
Promotes energy efficiency through strategically placed solar panels.

## Overview

The House of the Future is situated in Al Quoz, Dubai, where it integrates contemporary architectural concepts with elements of local cultural heritage. Spanning approximately 450 m², the design is tailored to meet the specific needs of residents while successfully addressing the climatic conditions of the region. The project emphasizes a balance between private and communal spaces, fostering both personal comfort and social engagement.

## Spatial Configuration

### Functional Layout

The architectural design encompasses three levels, each with distinct functions. The ground floor (150 m²) includes private areas such as gender-segregated Majlis and kitchen spaces, enhancing communal interaction. The first floor (86 m²) features expansive living and dining areas that are saturated with natural light and complemented by terraces, offering relaxation spaces while maintaining a level of privacy. The second floor (160 m²) primarily serves as a private sleeping area, designed with accessibility in mind through strategically placed stairs and ventilation features.

### Ventilation and Climate Adaptation

Natural ventilation is a central theme of the design. Each room is equipped with dual-walled windows to facilitate cross-ventilation, complemented by a central courtyard that enhances airflow and daylight penetration. This passive cooling strategy minimizes reliance on mechanical air conditioning. A wind tower, inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, further aids in regulating indoor temperatures and air circulation, contributing to a comfortable living environment.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices reflect a commitment to both local heritage and sustainability. Key materials include dry mix for thermal insulation, UV laminated glass to improve energy efficiency, and aluminum for its recyclability and reduced carbon footprint. Wood is utilized for shading screens, preserving aesthetic quality while contributing to energy efficiency. These materials are locally sourced to ensure lower life-cycle costs and resilience against the region's heat and humidity, effectively enhancing the home’s sustainability profile.

This project also incorporates an innovative hybrid energy system, utilizing solar panels and the potential for geothermal heating. The design anticipates future needs by allowing for vertical expansions through prefabricated materials, aligning with evolving lifestyle requirements while minimizing environmental impact.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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