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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Form a Sustainable Residential Solution

Author:
Khawla Aldhebaiei
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Form a Sustainable Residential Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled materials, the design creates a sustainable residence that adapts to the surrounding environment while maximizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates water-efficient landscaping with native, drought-resistant plants.
05
Employs a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable irrigation and water management.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future is designed to provide a sustainable and innovative housing solution that reflects the cultural and climatic context of the region. The project integrates contemporary architectural practices with an emphasis on sustainability and user-centered design, aiming to enhance the living experience while fostering a connection to the local environment.

### Architectural Philosophy and Spatial Flexibility

The design philosophy prioritizes a strong connection between occupants and their surroundings through the application of biophilic design principles. This approach enhances resident well-being by incorporating natural elements into the living space. Additionally, a user-centric strategy ensures that the functional and comfort needs of residents are met. The spatial design features modularity and adaptability, allowing the dwelling to evolve alongside the changing requirements of its inhabitants, thus promoting a dynamic living environment.

### Material Selection and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the material choices, which include recycled materials and natural finishes that reflect the landscape of Dubai. Key components, such as graffiti-textured paint and wooden slat cladding, are carefully selected to enhance aesthetic appeal while ensuring resource conservation. Energy efficiency is addressed through passive solar design, optimal window placement for natural daylight, and the integration of renewable energy sources, including solar panels and potential wind turbines. Water efficiency measures, such as rainwater harvesting systems and water-conserving fixtures, further align the design with sustainable practices.

### Accessibility and Landscape Integration

The project adheres to universal design principles, ensuring accessibility for all individuals and promoting inclusivity. The landscape design incorporates native, drought-resistant plants that enhance biodiversity and reduce irrigation needs. Durable construction techniques and materials have been employed to minimize maintenance requirements, contributing to long-term sustainability while harmonizing with the built and natural environment. Notable architectural features, including graft-textured facades and multi-functional interior spaces, enhance both aesthetic richness and utility.

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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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