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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Define a Flexible Urban Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Define a Flexible Urban Space
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and reinforced concrete, the design achieves a balance of durability and aesthetic appeal while providing flexible mixed-use spaces that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic character.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space and natural light distribution.
04
Integrates green terraces to promote biodiversity and provide outdoor communal areas.
05
Employs a modular layout that allows for flexible utility and adjustments over time.

**Overview**

Located in Al Mamzar, Deira, northeast of Dubai, the residential design focuses on integrating modern aesthetics with sustainable living practices. The project aims to respond to both environmental and cultural contexts, employing passive design strategies alongside innovative materials and technology to create a self-sufficient home.

**Spatial Organization and User Interaction**

The design employs a thematic metaphor of the 'heart' to symbolize the essential functions of the residence. The arrangement of spaces encourages occupant movement and interaction, with a central courtyard playing a pivotal role in facilitating natural ventilation and lighting. Through the careful layout, the project balances privacy and openness, encouraging a dialogue between interior and exterior environments.

**Sustainability and Materiality**

A strong commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the design. Features such as solar panels and water-efficient systems are integrated to reduce energy and water consumption. The choice of materials includes reinforced concrete, tempered glass, and composite wood for cladding, reflecting a modern sensibility while respecting local conditions. Landscaping elements, including a rooftop garden and native plant species in the courtyard, further highlight the emphasis on ecological harmony.

The interior spaces prioritize comfort and functionality, characterized by high ceilings and large windows that enhance natural light. The ground floor layout integrates public areas with service spaces, while the private quarters on the upper level offer tranquility and views. Smart home technology enhances energy management and user convenience, featuring automated systems responsive to environmental conditions.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Re:Form - 
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Prize Monetary award
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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
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Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
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Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Concrete 
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Design a concrete pavilion

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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