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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Define a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Ke Liu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Define a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a layout inspired by the Beijing Quadrangle, the design enhances natural ventilation and fosters community living in a sustainable family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the Beijing Quadrangle, the layout promotes communal living while maintaining family privacy.
02
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the design enhances durability and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while reducing construction time.
04
Natural ventilation strategies maximize airflow, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
Flexible spatial organization allows for adaptive use of areas as family needs evolve.

### Overview

The architectural design integrates traditional Chinese elements, specifically influenced by the Beijing Quadrangle, into modern housing solutions tailored for Emirati citizens in Dubai. This design addresses contemporary housing challenges while honoring local cultural and historical contexts. The project aims to balance personal privacy with social interaction, recognizing the diverse demographics of Dubai, where various ethnic groups coexist.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The design features interconnected courtyards that are central to the architectural layout, allowing for both interaction among residents and a degree of privacy. Distinct zones are created for living, socializing, and recreational activities, facilitating a natural flow between different spaces. This organization caters to the diverse needs of families, with dedicated private quarters, guest accommodations, and communal areas. The inclusion of transitional spaces, such as "Chaoshou" verandas, enhances flexibility, allowing for multifunctional usage while maintaining individual privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A focus on durable materials defines the structural approach. The use of prefabricated concrete panels and reinforced concrete ensures a strong foundation while enabling efficient assembly. Thermal insulation materials, waterproof layers, and vapor barriers contribute to energy efficiency and climate control. Additionally, natural ventilation strategies are employed, utilizing window orientations to foster cross breezes, thereby reducing dependency on artificial cooling systems. Rooftop designs provide opportunities for vertical expansion, aligning with urban planning flexibility while preserving the integrity of traditional architectural elements.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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
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