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Charred Wooden Shingles And Sustainable Concrete Create A Community-Centric Family Home

Authors:
Muwaffaq Abdulatif Mohammed Saleh Hilal, Kamal Muwaffaq Abdulatif Hilal
Charred Wooden Shingles And Sustainable Concrete Create A Community-Centric Family Home

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles combined with locally sourced concrete not only enhance sustainability but also create a functional, family-oriented living space designed for modern communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the home.
04
A dedicated service block streamlines household functionality without compromising layout.
05
Flexible bedroom arrangements facilitate future adaptability for changing family needs.

## Overview

The design, referred to as "House of the Future," is a contemporary residence that underscores a commitment to sustainability while addressing the needs of modern family living. The project aims to create a functional and comfortable environment, utilizing locally sourced materials to integrate with its specific climatic and cultural context.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout emphasizes family-oriented living by fostering interactions among residents while providing private spaces for individual retreat. The symmetrical design allows for maximized natural light and cross-ventilation through strategically placed windows and openings. This consideration not only enhances energy efficiency but also strengthens the connection between interior spaces and the outdoors.

### Zoning and Functionality

The ground floor features central family areas designed for social engagement, including a living room, dining area, and an efficient kitchen. A service block, which accommodates a maid’s room and utility spaces, adds to the functional aesthetic of the home. Access is facilitated through both formal and family-oriented entry points, enhancing the home's usability.

On the first floor, the arrangement of six bedrooms offers privacy while being conveniently located near communal spaces. The layout promotes family interaction, with a foyer serving as a key transitional area. The design allows for future flexibility with the possibility of a second-floor extension for additional bedrooms or recreational spaces.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Emphasizing sustainable practices, the project incorporates locally sourced materials to minimize its carbon footprint. Key construction elements include locally sourced concrete for structural integrity, sustainable metal components, green roofing systems for energy efficiency, and high-performance insulation materials to optimize air quality and conserve energy.

The visual language of the residence is defined by a muted color palette and rendered finishes, aligning it with local vernacular architecture while maintaining a modern appearance. Sustainable features include solar panels, designed to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, and natural cooling strategies that leverage thermal massing and effective ventilation to limit mechanical cooling dependence.

Recycled and reclaimed materials further contribute to waste reduction during construction, enhancing the project's alignment with sustainable building practices. The architectural visuals provide insight into a cohesive exterior characterized by geometric forms, illustrating a balanced integration of aesthetics and functionality.

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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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