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Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Cooling Techniques in A Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
David Nicolas Derksen, Mohammed Rahmoun
Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Cooling Techniques in A Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and wind catchers for natural ventilation, this sustainably designed family residence adapts to changing needs while fostering community connections.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and reduce construction time.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes space efficiency while allowing for natural light penetration.
04
Wind catchers improve passive ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency.
05
The layout includes flexible rooms that adapt to changing family dynamics and needs.

## Project Overview

The Al Rubaei architectural design project is characterized by its focus on sustainable principles and modular efficiency, tailored to accommodate the evolving needs of families. Designed within a specific geographical and cultural context, the project aims to foster a sense of community while integrating contemporary living with traditional values.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout emphasizes functionality and adaptability across two levels. The ground floor primarily accommodates communal spaces, including a spacious entrance and service areas, with direct access to landscaped surroundings. The first floor is designated for private quarters, featuring bedrooms and flexible rooms that can adjust over time to meet changing family dynamics. This approach prioritizes interaction and sharing among residents, while also ensuring the design remains relevant as needs evolve.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choice is integral to the project, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. The façade incorporates brick for its thermal mass and traditional resonance, complemented by concrete for structural integrity. Large glass windows enhance natural lighting and connect interior spaces with the outdoors, while wood adds warmth to various elements throughout the design. Natural stone finishes ensure durability in external applications, and the incorporation of sustainable materials, such as recycled and low-impact resources, further aligns with the project’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainability features include cooling walls for passive temperature regulation, wind catchers for natural ventilation, solar panels for renewable energy generation, and green roofs to enhance biodiversity and provide insulation. The surrounding landscaping encourages community interaction through pathways and communal gardens, utilizing native plants to reduce water consumption and support local ecology.

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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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