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Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay-Brick Assembly Creating a Modern Majlis Experience

Authors:
Eric Dubois, Yin-yu Wang
Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay-Brick Assembly Creating a Modern Majlis Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and local clay-brick, the design creates a functional Majlis that harmonizes traditional gathering practices with contemporary sustainability principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional clay-brick for thermal performance and local relevance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances spatial dynamics and aesthetics.
04
Includes a Barjeel for passive cooling, reducing reliance on HVAC systems.
05
Provides flexible modular spaces to accommodate evolving family needs.

### Overview
Located within the urban landscape of Dubai, the design of Cadenza explores the interplay between communal gathering and privacy, reflecting the cultural values of hospitality and community engagement found in Qatari and Emirati traditions. The project is centered around a Majlis, a traditional meeting area that serves as the heart of social interaction, while seamlessly integrating private living spaces. This architectural approach generates an environment that fosters both community connection and individual seclusion.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The organizational layout of Cadenza is deliberately structured to accommodate a variety of social and private activities. Key functional areas include a welcoming entrance, the central Majlis for communal gatherings, and adjacent dining and kitchen areas that support hospitality. Additionally, designated family areas offer private living spaces, complemented by service areas which incorporate practical facilities like laundry and washing rooms. A low wall serves as a subtle boundary between public and private zones, enhancing accessibility and allowing for gradual transitions between shared and intimate environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a strategic blend of materials that underscores both its aesthetic appeal and commitment to sustainability. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as a primary structural element, offering design flexibility while ensuring structural integrity. Local materials such as clay and brick are used to echo traditional construction methods and provide thermal mass benefits for energy efficiency. The incorporation of glass allows for enhanced natural light and visual connections to the surrounding landscape. Additionally, a metal framework supports modular adaptability, facilitating future alterations. The design integrates passive cooling strategies, including the traditional Barjeel, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and promoting energy self-sufficiency.

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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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