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Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Skin Integrate Comfort in a Family Residence

Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Skin Integrate Comfort in a Family Residence
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and Solar Skin technology, this family residence achieves both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency within a sustainable design framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes Solar Skin technology to maximize solar energy capture.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Includes passive ventilation strategies for optimal indoor air quality.
05
Showcases a bent A-frame design to enhance spatial dynamics and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the House of the Future integrates contemporary architectural practices with the cultural heritage of the Emirates. The design emphasizes environmental sustainability, advanced technology, and a deep connection to place, addressing the evolving lifestyle needs of its residents within the context of a rapidly transforming urban environment.

### Materiality and Aesthetic
A diverse palette of materials has been selected to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring resilience to the local climate. Timber finishes provide warmth and reference traditional building methods, while expansive glass fenestrations enhance natural lighting and energy efficiency, thanks to low-emissivity coatings. Sustainable facades utilize Solar Skin technology, reinforcing the commitment to eco-friendly practices. The choice of locally sourced materials further highlights regional identity and reduces environmental impact.

### Spatial Configuration and Comfort
The architectural layout is designed to optimize interaction and privacy among occupants. Distinct zones including communal living areas, semi-public spaces, and private retreats facilitate a balanced lifestyle. Innovative natural ventilation strategies promote airflow through strategically positioned openings, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Moreover, careful consideration of orientation and roof overhangs mitigates solar gain, ensuring comfortable interior conditions while maximizing daylight exposure. The overall design framework supports adaptability, allowing for future expansions in response to the needs of evolving family dynamics.

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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

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Recurring architecture competitions

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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Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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