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Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasize Cultural Privacy In Modern Residential Design

Authors:
Oskar Alfred MaŁy, Mikolaj Chmiel, Tomasz Wiktor Klepek, Jakub Jan Ciszewski
Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasize Cultural Privacy In Modern Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles for aesthetic and thermal comfort, the design prioritizes cultural privacy through a thoughtful arrangement of flexible spaces, culminating in a residence that adapts to modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes natural ventilation and light penetration.
04
Employs a central courtyard to foster privacy while connecting interior spaces to nature.
05
Adapts to occupant needs through movable walls and flexible room configurations.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future represents a significant advancement in residential architecture, merging traditional vernacular influences with contemporary design principles. The project focuses on personalization, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity, allowing residents to create customized living environments that respect local heritage while addressing modern needs.

### Spatial Configuration and User Adaptability

The design prioritizes flexibility and privacy, key elements in the context of Islamic culture. A ground floor layout integrates spaces for living, dining, and cooking around a central courtyard, fostering connections between indoor and outdoor areas. This approach encourages natural ventilation through innovative earth ducts, aligning with traditional cooling methods. The first floor features modular room arrangements that support both social interaction and individual privacy, with greenery strategically placed to enhance the living experience.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies

A range of carefully selected materials imparts a unique character to the residence. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while wood and natural stone reflect local aesthetics. Glass elements facilitate an interaction with the surrounding environment, enhancing natural light within the spaces. The project also employs fabric canopies for shading, blending traditional methods with modern advancements. Environmental strategies include earth cooling techniques and the incorporation of greenery, designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce the ecological footprint. The house is constructed with the foresight of potential future expansions, ensuring adaptability to changing family dynamics over time.

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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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