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Creating Community Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Perforated Facades

Authors:
Ricky Nicholas Gagliardi, Michael Yan Chen
Creating Community Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Perforated Facades

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and perforated brick panels, the design fosters a seamless connection between private and communal spaces, resulting in a forward-thinking residential structure that enhances community engagement in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates perforated brick panels for improved natural ventilation and light control.
03
Features a dual courtyard design that fosters social interaction and community ties.
04
Integrates urban agriculture elements with communal planter walls for local food production.
05
Employs passive cooling strategies tailored to the arid climate of Dubai.
The Inbetween House is a residential architectural project located in Dubai that embodies a blend of modern design principles and cultural contextuality. Designed to accommodate the needs of contemporary urban living, this project establishes defined spaces for interaction and privacy through thoughtful architectural planning. The concept integrates communal and private courtyards, providing a unique framework that fosters both personal and community engagements while enhancing the overall living experience.

The architectural design features a dual courtyard approach, emphasizing the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design allows for ample natural light and ventilation, important for energy efficiency in the local climate. The open-plan layout on the ground floor facilitates seamless movement between rooms and promotes an interactive lifestyle, while upper levels are designed to prioritize privacy through strategic window placement and outdoor areas.

Sustainable design is a key focus of the Inbetween House. The choice of materials plays a significant role in the effectiveness of this ideology. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural element, promoting eco-friendly construction with excellent thermal insulation. Recycled concrete blocks contribute to waste reduction while maintaining structural strength. The use of perforated brick panels for the facade allows for passive ventilation and light modulation, reducing dependence on air conditioning.

The project’s unique approach to community engagement is highlighted through shared spaces such as communal planter walls, which not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also encourage urban agriculture and sustainability initiatives within the residential complex. This emphasis on shared responsibility adds a layer of social interaction often missing in urban designs.

In addition to these distinct features, the Inbetween House utilizes passive design strategies effectively. High emissivity roofing materials and strategic shading elements contribute to the building's climate resilience, ensuring a comfortable living environment that minimizes energy consumption. Vertical and horizontal connections to natural elements are prioritized, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape.

For an in-depth understanding of the architectural concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. These elements provide valuable insights into the design process and the underlying principles that shape the Inbetween House, showcasing how architecture can effectively respond to contemporary living challenges in urban environments.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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