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Modular Living Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
Bushra Ahmad Fannoun Ateyyeh, Sondos Mohammad Ahmad Barhoumi
Modular Living Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels define a modular living space that seamlessly integrates traditional Emirati architectural elements with a contemporary focus on sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and reduced environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal space utilization and improved energy efficiency.
04
A central courtyard fosters community interaction while offering private outdoor areas.
05
Mashrabiya-inspired elements enhance ventilation and privacy, honoring traditional design.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Morpharch integrates traditional Emirati architectural elements with contemporary design principles. The project is characterized by its central courtyard, a design feature that promotes community interaction while ensuring privacy for its residents. The arrangement of modular units around this courtyard supports adaptability and personal expression, aligning with the diverse lifestyle needs of modern inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The Morpharch employs a modular design strategy that allows for flexible spatial arrangements tailored to the occupants' preferences, accommodating varying family sizes and functions. The central courtyard acts as a communal hub, reflecting traditional social dynamics within UAE homes. Circulation throughout the space is organized along two primary axes, effectively delineating public and private zones to enhance user experience.

#### Material Choices and Sustainability Integration

The selection of materials in the Morpharch emphasizes both traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Concrete provides structural durability, while locally sourced sustainable timber contributes to the eco-friendly design. Large glass windows enhance natural lighting and connections to the outdoors, and plasterboard ensures clean interior aesthetics. Tiling and wood particle board demonstrate versatility and an emphasis on recycled materials.

Sustainability is further reinforced through high thermal mass materials that aid in temperature regulation, responsible timber sourcing that supports local industries, and design features promoting energy efficiency, such as cross-ventilation and green spaces. These initiatives collectively minimize the environmental impact while fostering a comfortable living environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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