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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Define This Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Carlos Carrera, Carlos Alberto Betancourt Guillen, Cesar Wong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Define This Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a central courtyard, this sustainable residence utilizes natural ventilation and modular spaces to create a harmonious family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while reducing moisture retention.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid construction and energy efficiency.
03
A central courtyard integrates natural light and promotes passive cooling strategies.
04
Modular spaces can adapt to changing family needs over time.
05
Architectural features include traditional mashrabiya screens for privacy and ventilation.
The House of the Future is a residential architectural project situated within the Emirates, designed to embody a contemporary interpretation of traditional values while addressing sustainable living. This project emphasizes environmental responsibility through material selection and innovative design strategies, aiming to create a functional and harmonious living space that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

The primary function of the House of the Future is to serve as a family residence that fosters social interaction while preserving privacy. This dual purpose is achieved through a well-thought-out spatial arrangement that combines communal areas, such as the central courtyard and living spaces, with private zones catering to individual needs. The layout enhances the flow of movement throughout the home, encouraging inhabitants to engage with both the outdoors and each other.

Spatial Configuration and Courtyard Integration

A defining aspect of the House of the Future is its spatial configuration centered around a central courtyard. This element not only serves as a focal point for natural light and ventilation but also promotes outdoor living. By integrating internal and external spaces, the design facilitates a connection with nature, a significant aspect of Emirati living. The courtyard enhances the aesthetic appeal while improving the thermal performance of the building, reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems.

The use of strategically placed water features furthers this connection, providing both functionality and tranquility. By incorporating features like pools and cascading water, the design emphasizes climatic adaptation, cooling the surrounding areas while enhancing the overall ambiance of the home.

Innovative Materiality and Sustainability

The project showcases an innovative approach to materiality, prioritizing sustainable choices such as local stone, timber, and low-impact glass. These selections support energy efficiency and minimize the ecological footprint of the building. The design reflects an understanding of local climatic conditions, with features structured to enhance thermal comfort.

In addition, construction techniques are chosen for their adaptability and potential for reuse, addressing the evolving needs of families over time. Modular design elements allow for flexible use of spaces, enabling rooms to serve multiple purposes. This approach not only maximizes space but also aligns with contemporary trends in sustainable architecture, making the House of the Future capable of accommodating changing family dynamics.

The incorporation of traditional craftsmanship, such as intricate mashrabiya screens, highlights the connection to cultural heritage, providing shading and privacy while allowing natural light to permeate the interior. These elements offer a modern interpretation of local architectural language, underscoring the project’s cultural relevance.

To gain further insights into the House of the Future, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. A detailed review of these elements will unveil the structural and aesthetic intentions that define this residential design.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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