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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.

## Overview
Located in the Emirates, the U-House merges contemporary design with historical and vernacular influences, addressing the demands of modern life while reflecting cultural practices. The project emphasizes themes of privacy, shade, growth, and community, tailored to the region's social and climatic contexts.

### Geometric Layout and Spatial Programming
The design employs a U-shaped plan that centers around a sheltered courtyard, functioning as a versatile space for recreation and communal activities while promoting natural cooling. This configuration fosters both open-concept living areas and secluded private quarters, ensuring a balance between social interaction and individual privacy. The spatial organization is modular, allowing for potential vertical and horizontal expansions to adapt to evolving family needs. The first floor includes communal living spaces integrated with utility areas, while the ground floor features functional zoning that highlights outdoor transitions and service zones.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local architectural traditions. Key materials likely include concrete for structural stability, steel for reinforcement, and glass for natural illumination and views. Wood and brick may be used to contribute warmth and align with regional vernacular practices. The design integrates sustainable features such as solar panels, optimizing energy efficiency. This thoughtful material selection not only enhances durability in the harsh climate but also aligns with the project's objectives of environmental responsiveness and resource efficiency.

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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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