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Charred Wooden Shingles and Triple Glazing in a Sustainable Urban Home

Authors:
Alaa Amin Noman Abdo Alhamzi, Esam Haidar, Hamzah Abdulrahman Hashem Al-gunaid, Hanin Abdulrashed Abdullah Mohammed Al-sarori, ايمن السراج, Oloof Fuad Alabsi, Laila Salah
Charred Wooden Shingles and Triple Glazing in a Sustainable Urban Home

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by triple-glazed windows, this sustainable residence in Dubai seamlessly integrates energy efficiency with functional living spaces for a modern family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the design enhances fire resistance while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
02
Triple-glazed windows optimize thermal performance while reducing external noise.
03
Vertical gardens are integrated into the façade, promoting biodiversity within an urban setting.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and reduced carbon footprint.
05
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and airflow throughout the interior.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Bridge Home is a contemporary three-story residence designed to balance traditional living practices with modern requirements. Covering approximately 300 square meters, the project's intent is to create an eco-friendly living environment that emphasizes sustainability while catering to the needs of its occupants. The architectural approach integrates renewable resources and innovative materials, fostering a connection between the built environment and the natural world.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The layout of the Bridge Home is carefully organized into three distinct zones: public, semi-public, and private. Public spaces include the entryway, lounge, and communal kitchen, promoting social interaction, while private areas house the bedrooms and family rooms, ensuring personal privacy. The integration of large windows and terraces enhances natural light and promotes a connection to the outdoors, supplemented by vertical gardens that contribute to both aesthetics and air quality. Acoustic design considerations separate quieter living spaces from busier areas, creating a tranquil atmosphere in various parts of the home.

### Sustainable Material Choices

Material selection is central to the project's sustainability goals. The use of prefabricated construction materials minimizes waste and construction time, while concrete panels provide strength and durability. Energy efficiency is further enhanced by triple glazed windows and well-placed insulation components, which reduce thermal transfer. The incorporation of solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems not only supports renewable energy use but also helps in managing water resources. Additionally, low-flow water fixtures are employed to decrease water consumption, aligning daily living with environmental conservation objectives.

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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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