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Cross-Laminated Timber Modules with Local Sandbrick Facades in a Culturally Integrated Community

Cross-Laminated Timber Modules with Local Sandbrick Facades in a Culturally Integrated Community
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and traditional sandbrick, the design integrates modular housing with culturally resonant features to create a flexible residential community in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for customizable living spaces tailored to individual needs.
02
Sandbrick facades draw inspiration from traditional Emirati architecture, enhancing cultural relevance.
03
Incorporation of rainwater harvesting systems promotes sustainable resource management.
04
Cross-laminated timber construction reduces environmental impact while providing structural integrity.
05
Community courtyards foster social interaction and connection among residents.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, the project features a modular housing system aimed at customization, sustainability, and cultural integration. It consists of a series of modular homes designed for adaptability, allowing residents to tailor their living spaces to individual preferences while honoring the region's cultural heritage. The use of a modular approach enhances efficiency in construction, affordability, and the incorporation of local materials and environmental considerations.

## Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The project site is organized with homes measuring 15 meters by 30 meters, each featuring a modular footprint of 2.5 meters by 5 meters. This layout optimizes land usage, promoting communal interaction through shared spaces while ensuring residential privacy. Three distinct module types are proposed: upper-floor retreats designed for privacy, semi-private spaces for social interactions, and ground-level apartments focused on accessibility and community engagement. The master plan integrates green spaces, botanical gardens, and courtyards, contributing to both the practical functionality and aesthetic quality of the environment.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs locally sourced materials to enhance sustainability and cultural relevance. Notable features include a sandbrick façade that combines traditional designs with modern techniques, cross-laminated timber structures for durability, and glazed glass sliding doors that enhance natural lighting and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Additionally, photovoltaic panels are integrated for energy efficiency, while rainwater harvesting and grey water systems are included to promote sustainable water management practices. This holistic approach not only addresses modern housing needs but also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the residences.

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competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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