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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in a Sustainable Residential Villa
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and modular construction techniques, the villa showcases a balance of traditional aesthetics and modern efficiency, resulting in a sustainable residential solution designed to thrive in the UAE's climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible layout configurations tailored to user needs.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
A central courtyard facilitates natural cooling and promotes outdoor living.
04
Integration of rainwater harvesting systems supports sustainable water management.
05
Patterned windows enhance privacy while allowing controlled natural light.

## Project Overview

This modern villa located in the UAE integrates sustainable practices and modular design with a focus on local cultural heritage. The design aims to create comfortable living spaces that address the climatic challenges of the region through the use of prefabricated units, innovative materials, and energy efficiency.

### Cultural Fusion and Thermal Strategy

The project embodies a blend of traditional Islamic architecture with contemporary design elements. This synthesis is evident in the incorporation of arches, intricate patterns, and a central courtyard, which not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also serve practical functions, such as ventilation and natural cooling. The design pays homage to Islamic heritage while accommodating modern living, fostering a strong sense of cultural identity.

Strategically placed ventilation systems and a water collection approach contribute to enhanced energy efficiency, utilizing natural resources to mitigate environmental impact. The central courtyard serves as a thermal buffer, improving indoor climate control by promoting airflow and providing greenery that enhances air quality.

### Material Selection and Construction Techniques

The villa employs innovative and locally sourced materials, balancing contemporary construction practices with respect for traditional methods. Primary structural elements include modular prefabricated units, allowing for flexible design and future expansion. Key materials such as polyurethane closed-cell foam for thermal insulation and steel studwork for structural integrity ensure reduced thermal transfer and robust performance.

Additional sustainability features include photovoltaic panels for solar energy utilization and a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and non-potable uses. The project’s meticulous layout facilitates functional zoning, with social spaces on the ground floor and private quarters on the upper level optimized for accessibility and privacy.

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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
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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