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Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Elevate Sustainable Residential Living

Authors:
Elisa Burnazzi, Davide Feltrin
Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Elevate Sustainable Residential Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and complemented by charred wooden shingles, the residence harmonizes sustainable materials with flexible living spaces to enhance family-oriented functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes internal space and natural light.
04
Utilizes an integrated rainwater harvesting system for efficient water management.
05
Landscaping includes native plant species to enhance local biodiversity and reduce maintenance needs.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future represents a contemporary residential design that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. The intent is to create a living space that effectively integrates sustainable practices with cultural sensitivity, addressing the specific needs of urban living while fostering a strong connection to the outdoors. The design showcases innovative material usage and thoughtful spatial organization, drawing inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern architecture.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The design emphasizes a thoughtful arrangement of spaces that optimally balances public and private areas, ensuring functionality and comfort. The exterior features a generous driveway and landscaped elements, promoting an inviting atmosphere. The façades are adorned with wooden trellises that serve as privacy screens while allowing natural light to permeate. Inside, open-plan living areas blend seamlessly with exterior gardens, enhancing the overall spatial experience. The use of neutral tones throughout the interiors enables flexibility in decor, accommodating diverse tastes and styles.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

Materials are chosen with a focus on sustainability and local resonance. Extensive use of wooden panels creates shaded areas and dynamic architectural features, while large glass surfaces foster a transparent relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. The incorporation of mother of pearl flooring contributes to the luxury and spatial lightness within the home. Key sustainable features include solar panels and systems for rainwater harvesting, which collectively minimize the environmental impact and promote energy efficiency. The landscape design further integrates green spaces, contributing to improved air quality and adding to the aesthetic richness of the environment.

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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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