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Dual-Skin Facade Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in A Modular Residence

Authors:
Daniel Jonathan Flower, Pablo Morales Contreras, Kevin Pinon Lopez, Gerardo Ham Peralta
Dual-Skin Facade Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in A Modular Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed with a dual-skin facade utilizing cross-laminated timber panels, the residence adapts to its environment through modular pods that prioritize sustainability and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a dual-skin facade for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for natural fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features modular pod design allowing for flexible living spaces.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems within the architectural framework.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, the Massif House presents a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture that responds to the complexities of urban living and environmental considerations. The design is informed by the natural landscape of Jebel Hafeet, featuring a cascading arrangement of structures that resonates with the region's topography. This residential concept aims to create a retreat from the urban environment while adapting to the evolving needs of its inhabitants.

### Adaptive Spatial Strategy

The architectural design incorporates flexible "pods," each designated for specific functions such as community engagement, food preparation, and privacy. This modular approach facilitates various family interactions while maintaining individual spaces. The layout enhances communal living, aligning with contemporary societal trends that favor integrated yet private domestic environments. A geometric configuration of the pods, characterized by pyramidal forms, mirrors the mountainous backdrop, creating intimate, multi-faceted spaces that encourage exploration within the home.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The Massif House employs a combination of locally sourced materials—such as timber and stone—to establish a connection with traditional building practices while enhancing structural integrity. Eco-friendly options like hay and adobe contribute to sustainability goals. The double-skin facade, featuring advanced glass panels, optimizes thermal performance and natural lighting, reducing energy requirements. Additionally, bioclimatic strategies include passive cooling techniques and integrated rainwater collection systems, emphasizing resilience in response to climate change challenges.

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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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