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Charred Wooden Shingles and Windcatchers Defining a Community Space in Arched Residential Design

Authors:
Wang Chung Cheng, Ho Fai Wong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Windcatchers Defining a Community Space in Arched Residential Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and traditional windcatchers, this residential design optimizes natural ventilation and community interaction through its unique arched form.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional windcatchers for passive cooling and ventilation.
02
Features a double skin facade for enhanced thermal efficiency.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
04
Includes community corridors to promote neighborly interaction.
05
Designed with flexibility for future adaptations of living spaces.

**Overview**

The ArcHouse is an architectural project situated in the United Arab Emirates, designed to align with the cultural, climatic, and social demands of the region. Its concept integrates traditional elements with modern design principles to create a residence that reflects community values and family connectivity. Key features include an arch-shaped structure that serves as a motif of welcoming and safety, accommodating local cultural practices and promoting interpersonal interactions.

**Architectural Strategy**

The design incorporates a double skin facade, which is instrumental in minimizing heat transfer and reducing noise infiltration, contributing to energy efficiency. This innovative feature is particularly significant in the UAE's challenging climate, as it helps maintain indoor comfort and achieves up to a 19% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional facades. Additionally, traditional wind catchers are integrated to facilitate natural cooling, which merges modern efficiency with historical architectural practices. Outdoor amenities, such as a pool and private garden, enhance recreational opportunities while addressing the need for privacy and comfort.

**Material and Sustainability**

Material choices emphasize both environmental sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Key components include stone tiles for durability and insulation, timber to introduce a warm atmosphere, and aluminum mesh to regulate sunlight and improve thermal comfort. The strategic orientation and layout of the building optimize service zones and enhance ventilation, reinforcing a commitment to eco-friendly design. The flexibility of the floor plans allows for future adaptability, accommodating changing family needs and supporting sustainable living in response to escalating housing demands within the region.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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