Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Residential Retreat

Author:
Mariam Abdelrahim Mohamed Abdalla Alahmed
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design establishes a seamless connection to the surrounding environment while providing a family-focused residential space that balances communal areas with private retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a traditional majlīs for cultural gatherings.
02
Uses charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Integrates passive cooling strategies through careful window placement.
05
Landscaped with native flora to promote local biodiversity.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design merges modern residential architecture with traditional Emirati values, creating harmonious living spaces that prioritize both privacy and community. The layout reflects an understanding of local social behaviors, facilitating interactions among family members while allowing for personal retreats, all rooted in the cultural context of Emirati life.

### Spatial Configuration and Adaptability

The spatial layout consists of two primary levels encompassing 450 m², with the ground floor designed for essential communal activities, including a living room, dining area, and kitchen, promoting fluid movement and interaction. Private spaces are thoughtfully placed to ensure privacy, while the upper level is dedicated to bedrooms and quiet areas. This structure not only addresses the current needs of families but is also designed to accommodate future expansions, recognizing the evolving dynamics within Emirati households.

### Material Selection and Cultural Resonance

Material choices reflect both modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. Natural stone is utilized for wall cladding, enhancing warmth and creating a connection with the environment. Glass elements maximize natural light while maintaining privacy, and wooden details emphasize local craftsmanship. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, enabling versatile and durable space creation. Additionally, thematic elements such as traditional **majlīs** spaces underscore the importance of hospitality, thereby integrating cultural practices into the contemporary architectural framework. Enhanced by landscaping with native flora, the project fosters a connection between built and natural environments.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy