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Charred Wooden Shingles and Terrazzo Floors Create a Harmonious Family Home in Dubai

Authors:
Zoran Matkovic, Stefan Jovanovic, Uros Maksimovic, Vladan KijevČanin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Terrazzo Floors Create a Harmonious Family Home in Dubai

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and sustainable clay finishes, this family residence in Dubai balances modern aesthetics with cultural heritage, creating a functional space for daily living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes a central courtyard that promotes outdoor connectivity and privacy.
05
Employs natural clay finishes that provide thermal regulation in the hot climate.
The Dubai House of the Future is an architectural project that embodies contemporary design principles while integrating traditional values. Located in Dubai, UAE, this residence serves as a model for family living within an urban context. The primary function of the house is to provide a comfortable and adaptable environment for family life, balancing social interaction with privacy.

The overall design emphasizes fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces, utilizing large glass panels to maximize natural light and facilitate access to the external environment. The layout includes distinct zones for communal living and private quarters, allowing for both family connectivity and personal retreat. The careful arrangement of spaces reflects an understanding of how architectural design influences daily life.

Architectural Elements and Unique Features

This project stands out due to its thoughtful material selection and cultural resonance. Traditional clay finishes are prominently used, offering thermal regulation suitable for Dubai's climate while harkening back to local architectural heritage. Wood serves as both structural and aesthetic elements, providing warmth and comfort throughout the interior spaces. Terrazzo flooring contributes a sense of luxury while maintaining a connection to traditional craftsmanship.

In addition to the material choices, the project employs passive design strategies that prioritize energy efficiency. Overhangs and shaded areas help manage heat gain, while courtyards and outdoor living spaces extend the home’s footprint into the exterior landscape. This design approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also enriches the living experience by creating areas for relaxation and communal activity.

Strategic Planning and Spatial Organization

The layout of the Dubai House of the Future is meticulously crafted to optimize functionality and livability. The ground floor consists of communal areas, including an expansive living room and a kitchen that encourages family interaction. The design focuses on visual connections to outdoor spaces, promoting an integrated lifestyle.

On the first floor, the arrangement of bedrooms ensures privacy, with thoughtful attention given to the window placements that maintain sightlines while maximizing natural light. The overall spatial organization reflects a balance between openness and seclusion, catering to varying family dynamics.

The Dubai House of the Future presents a comprehensive study in architectural design that marries modernity with tradition. To gain deeper insights into the project’s architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, consider exploring the complete presentation. This exploration will reveal further details about how the unique design elements contribute to a cohesive and functional residential experience.
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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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