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Charred Wooden Shingles and Textured Façades in a Sustainable Residential Hub

Authors:
Hanane Charik, Hasna Charik, Mouna Zahidi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Textured Façades in a Sustainable Residential Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and glass reinforced concrete, the design creates a balance between traditional materials and contemporary aesthetics, culminating in a sustainable residential space that promotes community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for natural cooling and ventilation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
03
Integrates greywater recycling systems for sustainable water management.
04
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
05
Design includes community gardens to promote biodiversity and interaction.

## Project Overview
Beytouna is situated in a developing area of Dubai and aims to integrate traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern design principles focused on sustainability and functionality. The project reflects an intent to honor the region's cultural heritage while advancing innovative living solutions that cater to contemporary needs.

## Architectural Strategy
### Spatial Organization
The layout promotes a balance between communal and private spaces, enhancing social interaction among residents. Open-concept living areas are designed alongside secluded spaces for personal retreat, fostering a sense of community while ensuring privacy. Dedicated areas for communal activities and extensive green landscaping encourage connectivity to nature and each other, enhancing the overall living experience.

### Material Selection
The use of diverse materials plays a crucial role in the architectural narrative. Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) contributes to durability while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. High-efficiency insulation and triple glazing enhance energy performance, while natural stones echo the craftsmanship of traditional Emirati architecture. The integration of double-cavity walls not only fortifies the structure but also improves thermal efficiency, aligning with the project's commitment to sustainability.

## Sustainable Features
Beytouna is designed to be self-sufficient, incorporating various sustainable features. A solar energy strategy enables the generation of approximately 132 kWh of electricity daily through photovoltaic panels. Advanced water management systems facilitate the reuse of greywater, addressing local water scarcity concerns. Additionally, the structure is capable of remaining self-sustained for up to two weeks, exemplifying a commitment to responsible living.

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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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