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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Courtyard-Focused Residential Retreat

Author:
Luay Mahmood H Hussein
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Courtyard-Focused Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles for climate-responsive aesthetics, the design integrates a central courtyard that enhances airflow and light, creating a functional family home that emphasizes privacy and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
03
Incorporates strategic shading elements to optimize natural light and reduce heat gain.
04
Designed around a central courtyard to enhance privacy while promoting outdoor living.
05
Includes flexible spaces that adapt to changing family needs over time.

## Overview
Situated within a region rich in Islamic architectural heritage, this residence draws inspiration from traditional courtyard houses while integrating contemporary design elements. The intent of the project is to create a modern residential environment that embodies communal living, privacy, and climate responsiveness, reflecting the cultural and climatic context of its location.

### Spatial Strategy
The design employs a courtyard living model that serves as a central organizing element, facilitating interaction among family members while providing private spaces. The layout is divided over two levels: the ground floor prominently features communal areas such as the dining room, family room, and majlis, alongside a services block that supports daily functions. An outdoor sitting area is directly connected to a garden, encouraging outdoor activities and enhancing the sense of connection to nature. On the first floor, private quarters emphasize personal retreat while maintaining visual and spatial relationships with communal spaces through thoughtful sightlines.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials is both functional and aesthetic, contributing to the structure's durability and visual appeal. Concrete forms the primary structural components, ensuring stability, while stone accents add a sense of permanence. Glass elements are utilized to maximize natural light penetration, and wood introduces warmth and texture to the interior. Traditional plaster enhances the façade's aesthetic, reflecting a conscious nod to historical building practices. Together, these materials create a cohesive design language that aligns with both cultural significance and modern living requirements.

### Visual Composition
The façade is defined by notable architectural features, including arched openings that not only serve aesthetic purposes but also provide functional advantages such as passive cooling and ventilation. A patterned façade, characterized by perforated screens and varied window sizes, orchestrates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. This design approach not only addresses environmental factors but also visually reinforces the building's connection to its cultural roots.

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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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