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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Shielding in Modular Residential Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Shielding in Modular Residential Spaces
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and smart thermal shielding, this modular residential design adapts seamlessly to the desert landscape while promoting sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes screw piles for minimal soil disruption and adaptability to variable terrain.
02
Incorporates thermal shielding for improved energy efficiency in extreme climates.
03
Features modular construction allowing for rapid assembly in under a week.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates smart thermal regulating walls to maintain optimal indoor conditions.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design concept draws inspiration from the region's cultural heritage, particularly the nomadic Khaimah tents. It seeks to integrate this traditional influence with modern architectural methods to establish a framework for sustainable living. The project emphasizes adaptability and modularity, allowing for responsive design while engaging with the environmental context.

### Construction Methodology and Materiality
The foundation employs screw piles, facilitating an adaptable structure suitable for varied terrains, including dunes and marshlands. This method minimizes environmental disruption and maintains soil integrity. The concept embraces modular construction principles, allowing for the prefabrication of components such as walls, roofs, and floors, which can be efficiently assembled and disassembled. This approach significantly decreases construction timelines.

Incorporating a thermal shield enhances energy efficiency, while smart thermal regulating walls optimize indoor climate control. Each unit is capable of generating more energy than it consumes, utilizing renewable sources that align with sustainability goals. Notably, the design features oversized glass walls that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also foster a connection with the surrounding landscape, contributing to user comfort.

### Sustainable Design and Community Integration
The architectural design targets a reduced carbon footprint, contributing to a model of energy independence that anticipates future ecological challenges. Emphasizing flexibility, the housing units can be relocated or modified to adapt to changing needs or environmental conditions. The overarching vision includes the potential for creating eco-villages and smart cities, promoting communal living while harmonizing sustainable practices within the urban fabric. This comprehensive approach aims to address broader urbanization issues through innovative and responsible design techniques that respect the natural landscape.

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Enter an open architecture
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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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