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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Cultural Gatherings in a Sustainable Family Home

Author:
Mahmoud Ibrahim
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Cultural Gatherings in a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles for cultural authenticity and enhanced thermal performance, the design creates adaptable family spaces that facilitate meaningful interactions in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a Majlis as a central gathering space to enhance family interaction.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved insulation and aesthetic integration.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to maximize natural light and space usage.
05
Includes rooftop gardens that provide private outdoor areas and improve air quality.
The Family Hub House in Dubai is an architectural design project focused on addressing the evolving needs of modern family living in an urban context. With a strategic approach to space organization and functionality, this project emphasizes adaptability and sustainability while fostering family interactions.

A key objective of the Family Hub House is to create a comfortable and efficient living environment that meets the various demands of family life. It integrates private and communal spaces to encourage interaction while ensuring personal privacy. The project combines traditional cultural elements with modern architectural solutions, reflecting the unique context of Dubai.

Innovative Space Utilization
The Family Hub House distinguishes itself through its innovative use of space. The design includes a central **Majlis**, a traditional gathering area tailored for family interactions, which serves as the heart of the home. This communal aspect addresses the cultural importance of family gatherings in Emirati society while providing a functional space for socialization.

The floor plan emphasizes flexibility, allowing rooms to adapt to different activities and functions. This flexibility is vital for accommodating varying family sizes and configurations over time. Additionally, the incorporation of basements maximizes land use by providing essential storage and utility spaces without compromising the main living areas.

Sustainability and Material Choices
Another significant aspect of the Family Hub House is its commitment to sustainable design. The project employs energy-efficient technologies and materials, including reinforced concrete for structural integrity, extensive glass for natural light, and wood for interior finishes, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The strategic placement of skylights enhances daylighting, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a connection to the outdoors.

Each material used in the construction has been selected not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its durability and thermal performance, which are crucial in Dubai's hot climate. The use of stone for external cladding further emphasizes the house's integration with the local environment.

Spatial Efficiency and Design Synergy
The design promotes efficient circulation, minimizing wasted space while ensuring ease of movement throughout the home. The arrangement of spaces is done meticulously, allowing distinct zones for activities such as relaxation, work, and entertainment. Rooftop gardens are incorporated as unique features, providing private outdoor spaces that serve both functional and social purposes.

The architectural plans and sections of the Family Hub House reflect a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between built spaces and human behavior, ensuring a harmonious living environment. This project serves as a model for future residential developments in urban areas, showcasing how architectural design can respond to the needs of families in contemporary contexts.

To explore the Family Hub House further, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to review the project presentation for an in-depth understanding of its innovative approaches and architectural features.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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