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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Cultural Family Residence

Author:
Franklin Arias Carrillo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Cultural Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a central courtyard designed for natural ventilation, this cultural family residence serves as a modern interpretation of Emirati heritage while promoting communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates natural ventilation through an open central courtyard.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural and environmental efficiency.
04
Includes communal living areas designed to foster family storytelling.
05
Integrates a linear rooftop pool, promoting leisure and reflection.

### Overview

Located in the heart of the UAE, the design project aims to bridge the gap between Emirati culture and modern sustainable practices. It serves as a dual-purpose space that preserves cultural heritage while addressing contemporary lifestyle needs. By encapsulating the evolution of Emirati identity through distinct narratives, the design fosters familial bonds and emphasizes environmental responsibility.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout is divided into three primary levels, each with a specific focus reflecting different eras within Emirati culture. The first floor features a communal dining area and a central courtyard—acting as interactive storytelling spaces enhanced by water mirrors and ample open areas, which facilitate natural ventilation and social connectivity. The second floor emphasizes shared family experiences, integrating strategically located bedrooms to strengthen familial ties. The third floor culminates in a rooftop pool, fostering leisure and reflection while creating an intimate connection with the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A deliberate choice of materials characterizes the project, highlighting both historical and modern aspects of Emirati architecture. Concrete provides structural integrity, while wood evokes traditional craftsmanship through screens and detailing. Glass invites natural light and enhances visual connectivity with the outdoors, and water features not only serve aesthetic purposes but also function as cooling mechanisms.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the design, incorporating solar panels for energy self-sufficiency and a central courtyard that acts as a natural cooling system, reducing energy consumption. The rooftop pool supports both thermal comfort and aesthetic appeal, reinforcing the commitment to environmentally responsible building practices.

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

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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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