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Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Cooling Techniques in a Contemporary Dubai Residence

Authors:
Rasib Rayan Rossy , Saima Sharmin Nipa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Cooling Techniques in a Contemporary Dubai Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and incorporating passive cooling techniques, this Dubai residence offers a modern take on sustainable living while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates passive cooling strategies through thick wall construction.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Includes a bent A-frame design enhancing spatial dynamics and light flow.
05
Integrates local landscaping to create a seamless connection with nature.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the residence exemplifies modern architectural design while emphasizing innovative sustainability practices. The project aims to create a living environment that balances functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring both privacy and opportunities for social interaction through its thoughtfully organized spaces.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout is designed with clear divisions into public, semi-private, and private zones. Public areas encompass living spaces and a kitchen, facilitating gatherings and family activities, while private zones provide bedrooms and a wet kitchen for residents’ tranquility. This zoning strategy effectively enhances the home's functionality while accommodating the residents’ need for privacy. Furthermore, the open floor plan promotes flexible usage, with features such as movable partitions that allow homeowners to adapt the living spaces as required, reflecting contemporary lifestyle trends including remote work.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices are pivotal to the project’s architectural integrity and environmental impact. Key materials include concrete, which serves as the primary structural element; glass, which maximizes natural light and offers expansive views; and steel, which provides both structural support and decorative detailing. Wood elements throughout the interior and exterior contribute warmth, while integrated landscaping ensures a connection to nature. The residence adopts passive cooling strategies, utilizing thick walls and strategic shading for thermal comfort, and features a dual water reservoir system for efficient water management. Solar panels installed on the structure encourage renewable energy use, further enhancing the sustainability of the home.

### Cultural and Environmental Integration

The design reflects local cultural influences, integrating features such as the *Barjeel*, or wind tower, which not only contributes to passive cooling but also honors Emirati architectural heritage. Expansive glass facades foster a dialogue between indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging outdoor living and a heightened engagement with nature. This emphasis on natural elements, combined with traditional motifs, positions the project as a unique blend of modernity and cultural resonance.

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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

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