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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create A Harmonious Family Residence in the Desert

Authors:
Abdelrahman Khalil, Mohmed Hassan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create A Harmonious Family Residence in the Desert

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and natural stone harmonizing the exterior, the residence incorporates sustainable design principles while providing dedicated spaces for family interaction and communal gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and reduce maintenance needs.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide efficient insulation and structural stability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the residence.
04
Dedicated secluded areas promote privacy while encouraging family interaction.
05
Integrated green spaces cultivate a connection with the surrounding environment.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future project addresses the evolving requirements of modern Emirati families while reflecting their cultural identity. The design prioritizes privacy, comfort, and movement, incorporating traditional elements alongside contemporary conveniences. A key aspect of the architectural vision is the integration of natural lighting and ventilation, fostering a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Zoning and Spatial Configuration

The project's spatial organization involves a meticulously planned zoning scheme that delineates functions within the home. Key areas include a Majlis to facilitate social gatherings, family zones for intimate interactions, and discrete service areas for kitchens and bathrooms to ensure daily activities do not encroach on personal space. An extensive green zone enhances sustainability through landscaping and promotes well-being, while the inclusion of a swimming pool adds recreational opportunities that connect with family areas. The architectural layout effectively establishes a balance between public and private domains, ensuring a comfortable and functional flow throughout the residence.

### Material Use and Sustainable Design

The choice of materials is informed by local practices suited for the desert climate, likely incorporating concrete for structural integrity, natural stone for thermal comfort, and glass for light and ventilation. Timber may also play a role in adding warmth to shaded areas. Sustainability is enhanced through the incorporation of green zones and architectural features designed for optimal natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The project anticipates future needs through flexible design features that allow for expansion, accommodating changing family dynamics over time.

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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
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