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Charred Wooden Shingles and Precast Concrete Forming a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Moses Gunda, Adrian Mwangudza
Charred Wooden Shingles and Precast Concrete Forming a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and precast concrete elements, the design creates a sustainable residence that harmonizes with its desert environment while providing a functional family living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic texture.
02
Precast concrete panels enhance structural efficiency and reduce construction time.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer sustainable material options with high strength.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and enhances light distribution.
05
Integrated solar panels on the rooftop promote energy self-sufficiency.
The "House of the Future" is a residential architectural project designed to enhance living conditions within a desert landscape, incorporating sustainability, cultural heritage, and modern aesthetics. This project serves as a family dwelling, integrating communal and private spaces while responding to the environmental challenges and cultural context of its location.

Spatially, the house is distributed across three floors. The ground floor includes communal areas such as a kitchen, dining room, and a majlis, accommodating social gatherings while allowing for privacy through strategic zoning. The first floor is dedicated to private spaces, including several bedrooms and a master suite, designed to provide comfort and personal space. The rooftop serves dual functions, housing solar panels and recreational areas that emphasize the connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Sustainability is a key element of this project, demonstrated through the incorporation of renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels on the roof. This approach minimizes energy consumption and reduces the carbon footprint. In terms of materiality, the use of precast concrete panels ensures structural integrity and durability. Powder-coated aluminum windows provide both aesthetic quality and energy efficiency, while timber is used for doors and staircases, creating a warm contrast against the contemporary materials.

The project’s design stands out due to its incorporation of traditional architectural motifs combined with modern elements. The use of ornamental features on the facade not only reflects a cultural narrative but also enhances the visual appeal of the structure. Additionally, the expansive lawn areas, unusual for desert architecture, promote outdoor living while contributing to environmental sustainability. This design approach not only meets the needs of modern family life but also respects the cultural and environmental context of its setting.

The layout and design of the "House of the Future" reflect an attentive and deliberate architectural methodology that blends functionality with cultural storytelling. The carefully designed elevations and sections underscore the importance of aesthetics, light, and environmental adaptability. Readers interested in exploring this project further should consider reviewing architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs for more comprehensive insights into the innovative ideas that inform this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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