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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Modern Family Residence

Author:
Siddarth Shankar Roy
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Modern Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and reinforced concrete, this residence integrates natural ventilation systems to create a sustainable living environment tailored for modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while minimizing weight.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for improved natural ventilation throughout the home.
04
Large outdoor terraces extend living space and connect residents with nature.
05
Configurable family spaces promote flexibility for changing lifestyle needs.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, the design reflects a modern approach to family living, emphasizing functionality and aesthetic appeal in response to the region's climate. The intent is to create a balanced environment for a mid-sized family, fostering both communal interactions and private retreats through thoughtful spatial organization. The architecture integrates contemporary design principles with local environmental considerations to enhance the living experience while ensuring comfort and efficiency.

### Spatial Strategy and Flexibility

The architectural layout prioritizes a dynamic spatial configuration, featuring multi-level design elements that not only enhance daylight access through strategically placed skylights but also promote natural ventilation. Residential functions are organized into distinct zones, offering privacy to individuals while providing shared communal areas, including a family dining space and a majlis. Configurable spaces further support flexibility, allowing areas such as the majlis to serve multiple functions, including guest accommodation.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

The primary material is reinforced concrete, selected for its durability and low maintenance in Dubai's harsh climate. The façade employs a combination of smooth and textured finishes to enhance aesthetics and support passive cooling strategies. The west façade minimizes openings to manage heat gain efficiently. Sustainability is a critical focus, integrating passive cooling systems and natural ventilation pathways that lower reliance on mechanical cooling, therefore optimizing energy efficiency and environmental impact throughout the building's lifespan. Large windows and outdoor terraces create a connection with the landscape, integrating nature into everyday living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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