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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Masonry Define Sustainable Living Spaces in the Desert

Author:
Fatima Zaydan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Masonry Define Sustainable Living Spaces in the Desert

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and recycled masonry, the design facilitates energy efficiency and natural ventilation while serving as a contemporary family residence in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard designed for optimal natural ventilation throughout the home.
04
Integrates recycled masonry to reduce environmental impact and local resource use.
05
Adopts a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space and aesthetic appeal.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the residential villa embodies a commitment to sustainable architecture by integrating traditional design elements with contemporary ecological practices. The intent is to create a living space that fosters a connection between modern lifestyles and the surrounding environment, emphasizing eco-conscious living through careful spatial organization and innovative material selection.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The villa's spatial layout promotes a harmonious flow between public and private areas. The basement accommodates utility services, including parking and storage, while the ground floor features expansive living and dining spaces that open directly into a central courtyard, balancing social interaction with opportunities for quiet reflection. On the first floor, private bedrooms and a lounge area offer views of the courtyard, enhancing the overall accessibility and interaction between different levels of the home.

### Material Usage and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, aligning with the project's sustainable ethos. Wood is utilized for its warmth and sustainability, forming significant facade elements, while glass maximizes natural light and provides unobstructed views. Recycled masonry constitutes boundary walls and structural components, reinforcing the commitment to ecological responsibility. Concrete ensures durability, and stone details reflect regional architectural traditions. Moreover, the design incorporates passive cooling strategies and solar panels, equipping the villa with energy-efficient technologies that reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

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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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