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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Modular Living Within a Sustainable Courtyard Villa

Author:
Mohammed El Amine Chabani
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Modular Living Within a Sustainable Courtyard Villa

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and utilizing modular construction methods, the villa integrates sustainable elements within a central courtyard to create adaptable living spaces that respond to the demands of a hot climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural ventilation and thermal performance.
04
Employs modular construction methods for flexibility and adaptability in living spaces.
05
Integrates a central courtyard that promotes natural cooling and social interaction.

### Project Overview
Located in the UAE, the villa is designed with a focus on modular architectural principles while incorporating traditional aesthetic elements. The project aims to address the specific needs of hot climates, creating a living environment that balances contemporary requirements with cultural nuances.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interactivity
The design employs a modular architecture approach, allowing for standardized building blocks that can function independently or be interconnected based on user needs. This modularity enhances flexibility, supporting personalization while maintaining the traditional values of hospitality central to Emirati culture. The incorporation of a courtyard further promotes natural ventilation and cooling, optimizing energy use and improving overall resident comfort.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The villa's material palette is carefully considered to enhance both structural integrity and sustainability. Key elements include modular building blocks for adaptability, brick walls for thermal mass, and extensive use of glass to maximize natural light. Additionally, advanced construction techniques, such as 3D printing, facilitate efficient development while accommodating design modifications. Solar panel integration contributes to energy independence, and the careful balance of solid and void in the facade enhances both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsiveness.

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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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