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Charred Wooden Shingles and Pre-Cast Concrete Enhance Environmental Harmony in Contemporary Residential Living

Authors:
Tommaso Vacchi, Paola Tonizzo, Manuele Quintino
Charred Wooden Shingles and Pre-Cast Concrete Enhance Environmental Harmony in Contemporary Residential Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, the design creates a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces, serving as a modern family villa that prioritizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a brise-soleil to reduce heat gain while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Features an atrium that serves as a central gathering space, promoting natural light.
03
Utilizes precast concrete for rapid construction and structural integrity.
04
Includes a Majlis, reflecting local cultural practices in social interaction.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels into the roof design for energy efficiency.

### Overview

The Dubai Villa project is situated on a 450-square-meter rectangular plot in the UAE, designed with a focus on performance, sustainability, and the comfort of contemporary family living. With its two-story structure, the villa integrates functional spaces through innovative design strategies that respond to the local climate and cultural context. The intention is to create an environment that balances openness and privacy, in alignment with the region's traditions.

### Spatial Configuration

The villa is organized into three distinct zones that facilitate both public and private interactions. The **Public Areas** include the entrance, living room, dining room, and kitchen, designed to foster social gatherings. A central atrium connects these spaces, enhancing accessibility and promoting a communal atmosphere. The **Private Quarters** occupy the first floor and feature four fully equipped bedrooms, complemented by an office space to enhance daily functionality while ensuring privacy for residents and guests. Further extending the living space outdoors, **External Amenities** such as a swimming pool and multiple terraces are integrated within lush landscaping, encouraging a lifestyle that emphasizes engagement with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The project emphasizes sustainability through a thoughtful selection of materials aimed at enhancing both the aesthetic value and environmental performance. **Pre-Cast Concrete** is utilized for structural elements, allowing for efficient assembly and ensuring durability. An extensive use of **Glazing** in the facade enhances natural light and creates visual connections with the outdoors. The incorporation of **Brise-Soleil** moderates solar gain, providing shade while adding visual intricacy to the exterior. Additionally, the installation of **Solar Panels** on the roof exemplifies the villa's commitment to energy efficiency, maximizing the benefits of solar resources.

Notable features include a designated **Majlis**, specifically designed for both formal and informal gatherings, reinforcing social bonds and cultural practices. This intentional integration of modern technology alongside traditional elements illustrates an approach that honors heritage while accommodating contemporary lifestyles.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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