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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Materials in Multi-Generational Living Spaces

Authors:
Asma Benali, Sohaib Makhlouf, Kussai Elabar, Soha Bubteina, Amer Mohamed Abdelkarim Ben Ali
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Materials in Multi-Generational Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and energy-efficient materials, this design creates a vibrant multi-generational living environment that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency while minimizing carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates local plant species into green facades for biodiversity and climate adaptation.
05
Creates distinct family zones within a cohesive layout, promoting privacy and connectivity.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future serves as a forward-looking housing solution deeply informed by the social and cultural context of Emirati life. The design prioritizes family connectivity while balancing the need for individual privacy, allowing multiple generations to reside in close proximity. This approach not only strengthens familial bonds but also adapts traditional values to contemporary urban living demands.

## Spatial Arrangement and User Experience

The interior layout is characterized by an open design that facilitates interaction among family members, promoting communal living while also providing designated areas for individual retreat. Strategic placement of private rooms ensures comfort and seclusion, enhancing the daily living experience. The arrangement of spaces is designed to reflect the nuances of Emirati culture, incorporating local artistic motifs that enrich the overall aesthetic and foster a stronger cultural connection.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Materials selected for the construction emphasize both functionality and environmental considerations. Concrete provides structural integrity, while glass elements enable abundant natural light and a visual connection to the outdoors. Stone facades reference traditional architectural styles, enhancing the building's contextual relevance. The integration of sustainable plant species within the façade is a notable feature, contributing to biodiversity and optimizing the building’s adaptability to the local climate. This conscious choice of materials underscores a commitment to sustainability in urban design.

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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