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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Community-Centric U-Shaped Residence

Author:
Khalid Khairi Mb Aburajab Altamimi
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Community-Centric U-Shaped Residence

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and a U-shaped layout, the design prioritizes communal interaction while providing private retreat spaces within a sustainable residential framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a U-shaped layout that fosters communal interaction while ensuring privacy.
04
Employs natural ventilation strategies to enhance indoor comfort and reduce energy use.
05
Integrates outdoor spaces into the living environment, promoting a connection with nature.
The U-House project exemplifies a modern residential design that intricately balances functionality, adaptability, and cultural relevance. Situated in the Emirates, this architectural endeavor is characterized by a U-shaped layout that fosters community interaction while allowing for privacy within its personalized spaces. The design integrates local vernacular elements with contemporary architectural practices, creating a living environment that addresses both present and future residential needs.

Interior and exterior spaces are harmoniously connected, with a focus on maximizing natural light and ventilation. By incorporating a central courtyard, the design encourages outdoor activities while serving as a buffer against the external climate. This layout enhances the overall experience of the occupants, promoting social engagement while maintaining individual residence comfort.

Functional Adaptability and Design Solutions

The U-House offers unique solutions through its modular design, providing flexibility for future expansions or modifications as family needs evolve. The project features distinct zones dedicating space for communal activities, private quarters, and service areas. Careful attention to circulation patterns facilitates ease of access, ensuring that all areas are interconnected without compromising privacy.

Material selection reflects an emphasis on sustainability, likely incorporating concrete for structural integrity, steel for support, and glass to enhance natural light penetration. The design's overall orientation is strategically planned to reduce heat gain, essential for the regional climate. This thoughtful approach not only aligns with contemporary environmental considerations but also honors traditional methods of passive cooling.

Community-Centric Design Features

The U-House embraces a community-oriented design, promoting neighborly interactions through spatial clustering. This approach cultivates small, shared green spaces and pedestrian pathways, enhancing the communal atmosphere. The architectural layout encourages engagement with the surrounding environment while providing personal sanctuaries for residents.

Significantly, the project's commitment to sustainability extends to the potential inclusion of solar panels, aligning with contemporary energy efficiency standards. The overall architectural expression harmonizes with both functional needs and cultural narratives, providing a model for future residential structures that prioritize environmental responsibility and community cohesion.

For additional insights into the design elements, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the nuances of this notable project. By examining the architectural ideas presented, one can appreciate the U-House's thoughtful approach to modern residential living.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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