Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Limestone Integrate Sustainability in Modern Residential Design

Author:
Hazem Ezz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Limestone Integrate Sustainability in Modern Residential Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and locally sourced limestone, the design achieves a balance of modern aesthetics and environmental sustainability, creating an inviting and functional family residence in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while adding texture to the facade.
02
Locally sourced limestone contributes to thermal efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space utilization and creates dynamic interior volumes.
04
Integrated smart home technology enhances energy management and security.
05
Garden spaces promote biodiversity and outdoor family engagement.

## Project Overview

This residential development is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritizes sustainable urban development. The intent is to create a model Emirati house that integrates modern architectural practices with traditional cultural values. The design focuses on enhancing residents' quality of life, emphasizing sustainability, privacy, thermal comfort, and spatial efficiency.

## Spatial Organization and Layout

The design features a strategic L-shaped layout that delineates different zones within the residential space. The ground floor comprises public and semi-public areas, including a garage, living spaces, and a private garden, promoting communal interaction while maintaining privacy. The first floor consists of dedicated private family quarters, effectively separating personal and communal activities.

### Architectural Elements and Materiality

Key architectural features include a façade equipped with advanced shading systems that optimize natural ventilation and minimize solar heat gain. The roof structure is designed for solar energy collection, supporting the sustainability objectives. The material selection is carefully curated, utilizing local limestone for thermal efficiency, recycled waste stone, and low-VOC finishes to ensure indoor air quality. Large glass panels enhance natural light, contributing to an open and airy environment.

## Environmental Strategies

The design incorporates several sustainable practices in line with the goals of the Dubai 2040 plan. Efficient waste management systems are implemented for effective waste separation, while water conservation measures are integrated to reduce consumption and manage runoff. Additionally, solar panels on the roof provide renewable energy, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy