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

Author:
Sara Elhussein
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Skin Integrate Comfort in a Family Residence

Project in-detail

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.
The House of the Future, located in Dubai, UAE, is a residential architectural project that embodies a fusion of contemporary design and cultural heritage. This project serves as a modern living space, accommodating the needs of a family while ensuring sustainability and comfort in a challenging desert environment. The design promotes energy efficiency, natural light, and airflow, addressing the climate challenges specific to the region.

Sustainable Building Techniques and Materials

The House of the Future integrates a variety of sustainable building techniques and materials. Reinforced concrete is employed for the structural elements, ensuring durability and resilience. Timber is utilized for interior finishes, providing a natural aesthetic that connects the home to traditional building methods. Glass features prominently in large windows and openings, allowing for ample natural lighting while maintaining energy efficiency through low-emissivity coatings. Additionally, Solar Skin technology is integrated into the facades, enabling the building to harness solar energy effectively.

The design prioritizes passive systems such as natural ventilation and strategically placed thermal mass. This is complemented by active systems, including high-efficiency mechanical setups and energy monitoring technology. The dual focus on passive and active strategies helps to significantly reduce energy consumption while enhancing indoor comfort.

Innovative Spatial Configuration

The spatial organization of the House of the Future is tailored to foster social interaction among family members. The layout distinguishes between communal and private spaces to promote a comfortable living environment. Living areas are designed to encourage gathering, while private zones offer solitude. The orientation of the building is thoughtfully considered to optimize exposure to natural light and facilitate airflow, thereby reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning.

Roof overhangs and shading devices play a crucial role in controlling solar gain, contributing to the building’s overall thermal performance. This aspect of the design reflects an innovative approach to climate-responsive architecture, addressing both comfort and energy efficiency.

User-Centric Design Features

The House of the Future incorporates several unique features that enhance its functionality. Notably, the design allows for future adaptability, supporting the evolving needs of its occupants. This foresight in architectural planning ensures that the home can adjust to changing family dynamics over time.

The incorporation of cultural elements also sets this project apart. By blending local architectural traditions with modern techniques, the design remains relevant to the regional context, providing a nuanced response to the environment and cultural identity.

For a comprehensive understanding of the House of the Future, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. These elements provide valuable insights into the innovative architectural ideas that drive this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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