Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Textures and Panoramic Glass Facades in Modern Emirati Living

Author:
Mohamed Abdelkader Mahmoud Helmy Abdelkader
Charred Wooden Textures and Panoramic Glass Facades in Modern Emirati Living

Project in-detail

Emphasizing charred wooden finishes and expansive glass facades, the residence integrates cultural aesthetics with modern functionality, creating a harmonious living environment for families in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create structural integrity with reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and light distribution.
04
An outdoor Majlis seamlessly integrates social spaces with the landscape.
05
Solar panels contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in design.

## Project Overview
Located in the heart of the UAE, the architectural design focuses on providing a refined living experience for Emirati citizens by integrating luxury with practicality. With a budget of 1 million dirhams, the project seeks to honor Emirati culture while incorporating modern design principles, characterized by minimalism and efficient use of space. The intent is to create a residence that reflects cultural values while fulfilling contemporary lifestyle demands.

## Spatial Configuration and Cultural Integration
The design emphasizes intelligent space utilization, accommodating areas such as an outdoor Majlis, breakfast zone, and BBQ area to encourage social interaction and reflect traditional hospitality customs. The architectural layout strategically promotes connectivity between private and communal spaces, ensuring a fluid transition throughout the residence. Integrating outdoor elements like pools and landscaped gardens enhances livability, addressing the climatic conditions while aligning with local lifestyle norms.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The construction employs a diverse palette of materials to balance durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete provides structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth through external screens and interior finishes. Expansive glass elements enhance natural lighting and visual access to outdoor environments. Additionally, decorative brickwork connects traditional Emirati heritage with contemporary design, and stone is utilized in landscaping to harmonize with the natural surroundings. The inclusion of solar panels underscores a commitment to energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable practices for modern living.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy