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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Palm Leaf Screens Shape a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Ayah Mohamed Sherif Hassan Abdou Said Elhalawani
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Palm Leaf Screens Shape a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and palm leaf screens, the residence seamlessly integrates sustainable materials to create a functional family home that prioritizes environmental sensitivity and cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and thermal performance.
02
Incorporates palm leaf screens that provide natural shading and ventilation.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design to optimize space and aesthetic appeal.
04
Combines traditional Emirati design elements with modern sustainability practices.
05
Includes modular layout capabilities for adaptability to changing family needs.

## Project Overview
Located in a culturally rich context, the residence is designed by Weave with an emphasis on the intersection of heritage, culture, and modern living. The architectural intent is to create a home that serves the dynamic needs of a family while integrating sustainably into its environment. This design prioritizes adaptability, aiming to establish a functional and site-specific architecture that supports contemporary lifestyles and community interaction.

## Layout and Functional Zones
The residence features a structured layout that supports both social interaction and personal privacy. Social spaces, such as the lobby, majlis, and informal living areas, are designed to facilitate gatherings, while private quarters are thoughtfully distributed across two floors to ensure retreat and relaxation. Additionally, dedicated work areas, including home offices and a private study, provide spaces for productivity and creativity. The design includes outdoor elements such as courtyards and pools that foster engagement with nature, thereby blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living environments.

## Material and Sustainability Strategy
Materials selected for the project reflect both environmental considerations and the local context. Cross-laminated timber is utilized for walls and roofs, enhancing insulation and structural integrity. Photovoltaic panels are integrated for renewable energy generation, while palm leaf screens provide natural shading and ventilation. Furthermore, high-performance double-glazed windows improve energy efficiency and maximize natural light. The design incorporates adaptable systems, including an integrated HVAC system tailored to the local climate, ensuring efficient management of indoor air quality and temperature. This approach not only supports sustainable living but also reinforces a commitment to environmental stewardship within the architectural framework.

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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
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