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Charred Wooden Shingles and Traditional Screens Formulating A Contemporary Family Home

Author:
Arkadiusz Piotr Strzelecki
Charred Wooden Shingles and Traditional Screens Formulating A Contemporary Family Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and traditional wooden screens, the design enhances thermal efficiency while fostering family connection in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates traditional wooden screens for climate control and privacy.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and light.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Design supports family-oriented spaces with flexible layouts for communal living.
The Emirati House is a contemporary architectural project located in the UAE, designed to reflect and preserve the cultural identity of the region while addressing modern living requirements. The design emphasizes openness, promoting engagement between indoor and outdoor spaces, which is essential in a climate characterized by warmth and sunshine.

The architecture prioritizes functionality and flexibility, with spaces that cater to familial interactions and community gatherings. The central courtyard serves as a focal point, facilitating natural ventilation and light, reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. The integration of landscaped areas further enhances the living environment, creating a seamless transition between the natural and built surroundings.

Cultural Representation and Innovative Materials
The Emirati House distinguishes itself through its respectful engagement with traditional Emirati architecture, incorporating elements that convey cultural significance. The prominent use of mashrabiya, or decorative wooden screens, allows for privacy and shade while enhancing airflow and natural light. This traditional element is reinterpreted to meet modern design standards, showcasing an approach that balances heritage with innovation.

The selection of materials is another aspect that sets this project apart. Concrete forms the structural backbone, providing durability and thermal mass, while stone cladding enhances the exterior texture and ties the building to its natural context. Wood elements contribute warmth and scaling, connecting the interior spaces to the surrounding environment. Large glass windows expand views and facilitate a strong indoor-outdoor relationship, which is critical in desert climates.

Spatial Arrangement and Functionality
Inside, the layout is defined by open-plan spaces that promote connectivity between different functions of the house. The ground floor includes shared living areas, dining spaces, and a kitchen that opens to the central courtyard, facilitating easy transitions between indoor and outdoor living. The emphasis on adaptable spaces allows for a variety of uses, accommodating both everyday family activities and communal gatherings.

The first floor is dedicated to residential privacy, housing bedrooms and family areas with carefully placed balconies that offer vistas of the landscape while maintaining personal retreats. This spatial configuration enhances comfort and promotes interaction within the family unit, aligning with the sociocultural values of the Emirati community.

The Emirati House serves as a model for contemporary architecture in the region, showcasing how modern design can coexist with tradition. Its thoughtful integration of cultural motifs and modern amenities addresses the evolving needs of its inhabitants while preserving a strong sense of identity.

For a more detailed exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that underpin this project, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation. Understanding these elements offers valuable insights into the architectural design choices and their implications for modern Emirati living.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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