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Charred Wooden Shingles and Low-Emissivity Glass in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
João Rodrigues
Charred Wooden Shingles and Low-Emissivity Glass in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and low-emissivity glass, the design creates an energy-efficient residence that harmonizes with the local environment while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates low-emissivity glass to optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes a Majlis designed for traditional gatherings and community interaction.
05
Employs rainwater harvesting systems to promote water conservation and sustainability.

### Overview

Horizon House is located in Dubai, UAE, within a culturally significant urban environment. It functions as a benchmark for sustainable living and addresses the interconnected needs of comfort, safety, and community integration. The design of Horizon House marries traditional cultural references with contemporary architectural principles, reflecting the evolving context of a rapidly urbanizing city.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of Horizon House is characterized by a two-story configuration designed to enhance social interaction and privacy. The first floor hosts communal living areas, including the living room and dining spaces, while the second floor is dedicated to bedrooms and family lounges. The design facilitates clear movement between spaces, ensuring defined pedestrian and vehicular access. Additionally, an internal garden area promotes social engagement while preserving privacy through landscaped barriers. The incorporation of balconies and terraces extends the living space outdoors, connecting residents with nature.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural design employs a diverse material palette, emphasizing both aesthetics and environmental performance. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, thermal insulating plaster to enhance energy efficiency, and low-emissivity glass to maximize natural light while managing heat. Horizon House incorporates sustainability features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and microgrid technologies, aiming to minimize reliance on mechanical cooling and reduce overall energy consumption. This comprehensive approach to material selection and sustainability reflects both local traditions and modern sensibilities, making Horizon House a relevant model for future residential developments in urban settings.

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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
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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