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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Construction in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Khaled Saeed Abdel Latif Shanaah, Ahmed Ata Ahmed Mohammad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Construction in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and modular construction techniques, this sustainable residence exemplifies a thoughtful blend of traditional materials and modern efficiency, designed to adapt to contemporary living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Modular construction allows for efficient assembly and future adaptability.
03
Natural ventilation is achieved through the integration of traditional wind towers.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity and eco-friendliness.
05
An open-to-sky courtyard fosters indoor-outdoor connectivity and natural lighting.

### Project Overview

Located in the UAE, the villa exemplifies a contemporary architectural response that integrates modern construction techniques with traditional cultural elements. The design prioritizes modular construction, sustainable practices, and functional living spaces, positioning itself as a forward-looking model within the residential sector. The building serves not only as a home but also as a benchmark for advancements in construction methodology and environmental responsibility.

### Modular Construction and Spatial Organization

The architectural framework employs modular construction methods that facilitate efficient assembly and adaptability to varying needs. The villa is structured across two floors, featuring an open floor plan that promotes interaction and airflow. Key spaces include a centrally located living room and majlis, fostering social activities, alongside an open-to-sky courtyard that enhances natural light and connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments. On the upper floor, private areas such as the master bedroom are designed with en-suite facilities and balconies, ensuring personal outdoor spaces for residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is fundamental to the project's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, utilizing reinforced concrete for durability, extensive glazing for optimal daylighting, and composite panels for lightweight construction. Additionally, the incorporation of wood finishes infuses warmth and luxury into the interiors. The villa features innovative clean energy solutions, including wind turbines integrated into its design, which efficiently harness renewable energy for residential use. Passive cooling systems inspired by traditional wind towers further reduce dependence on mechanical air conditioning, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability while respecting local architectural heritage.

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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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