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Cross-Laminated Timber Facade with Natural Ventilation Strategies in a Residential Setting

Authors:
Marija Trajanoska, Marija Apostolovska, Katerina Panovska, Bozhan Todorov
Cross-Laminated Timber Facade with Natural Ventilation Strategies in a Residential Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and integrating passive cooling systems, the design creates an energy-efficient residential environment that promotes natural ventilation and privacy in the context of Dubai's climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels form the primary structural element, ensuring flexibility and strength.
02
The design incorporates wind towers to enhance natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique exterior finish while offering protection from the harsh climate.
04
Integrated solar panels on the roof facilitate energy self-sufficiency for the home.
05
A central courtyard fosters communal interaction and acts as a thermal buffer against external temperatures.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the House of the Future integrates traditional and modern architectural elements while addressing environmental sustainability. The design aims to create a self-sufficient residential environment that meets contemporary lifestyle needs while effectively responding to the unique climatic challenges of the region.

## Spatial Strategy
The design employs a courtyard house configuration, which fosters comfort and community engagement. Each interconnected space is thoughtfully arranged to prioritize privacy and communal interaction, with courtyards serving as central features that facilitate natural ventilation and light. The site plan strategically zones living areas, kitchens, and private rooms around these courtyards, ensuring efficient air circulation and maintaining a stable indoor climate.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Emphasizing a blend of local and innovative materials, the architectural style utilizes cross-laminated timber (CLT) for structural integrity, clay for insulation, and durable woods such as ebony and palm for aesthetic appeal. The project embraces sustainable features, including a radiant cooling system and wind towers to enhance passive cooling and energy efficiency. Additionally, the roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and grey water recycling systems underscore a commitment to energy self-sufficiency and resource conservation. These integrated systems reflect a stringent focus on reducing the dwelling’s carbon footprint while enhancing overall user experience.

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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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