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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Bharat Rangila
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and advanced passive cooling systems, the residence integrates sustainability with traditional Emirati hospitality, offering a comfortable living environment for families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes advanced water extraction technology to generate potable water from humidity.
02
Incorporates separate Majilis for hosting male and female gatherings, reflecting local customs.
03
Features passive cooling design through strategically placed louvers and openings.
04
Integrates vertical farming elements for food sustainability and education.
05
Employs eco-friendly materials like insulated glazing and colored facades for energy efficiency.

### Project Overview
The House of Future is situated in a coastal region, reflecting a commitment to modern design principles while addressing sustainability and cultural relevance to Emirati traditions. Its conceptual framework places emphasis on adaptability and resilience, aiming to create a residence that balances community interaction with individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy and Organization
The house is organized into three distinct levels, each tailored to specific functions. The ground floor encompasses 172.23 SQM, accommodating a garage, guest quarters, and communal living areas, such as a dining room and kitchen, designed for accessibility and interaction. The first floor, spanning 119.1 SQM, features private spaces including bedrooms with ensuite facilities, thus promoting comfort and security for family members. The roof integrates energy-efficient solar panels, while terraces encourage outdoor engagement, contributing to a harmonious living experience.

### Materiality and Sustainable Technologies
Construction materials are selected with sustainability in mind, including concrete blocks for structural integrity and colored facades to mitigate solar heat gain. Insulated windows enhance energy efficiency by maximizing natural light while reducing heat influx. Innovative features, such as a water extraction system for potable water and vertical farming elements, reflect a forward-thinking approach to resource management and self-sufficiency. The design also incorporates passive cooling strategies through the strategic arrangement of louvers, mitigating reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Furthermore, landscaping is deliberately designed to integrate with the natural environment, fostering functional outdoor spaces while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

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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
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
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Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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