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Basalt Cladding and Natural Ventilation in Compact Timber Shelters for Community Resilience

Author:
Umut Miran
Basalt Cladding and Natural Ventilation in Compact Timber Shelters for Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Incorporating basalt cladding and timber framing, these compact shelters offer durable, energy-efficient housing designed to foster community resilience in post-earthquake recovery environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes basalt stone cladding for enhanced seismic resistance.
02
Incorporates passive ventilation strategies for improved indoor climate control.
03
Central courtyard promotes social interaction and community cohesion.
04
Adapts to various occupant needs with flexible spatial layouts.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels for energy self-sufficiency.

The Earthquake Microhouse project is a response to the immediate housing needs of communities affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey. This project focuses on providing durable, adaptable, and community-oriented shelter solutions to displaced individuals. The architectural design emphasizes functionality, resilience, and social connectivity, integrating traditional design elements with modern construction methodologies.

The microhouses are organized around a central courtyard, promoting communal living while ensuring privacy for individual units. This arrangement reflects inherent cultural values associated with traditional Turkish architectural practices. Each unit is designed to accommodate essential living functions, including sleeping quarters, cooking areas, and sanitary facilities, optimizing the use of compact space while maintaining a sense of comfort.

The project stands out through its innovative use of materiality. The selection includes wood horizontal batten, plywood sheathing, basalt stone cladding, and various insulation techniques designed for earthquake resistance. The incorporation of photovoltaic panels enhances sustainability, ensuring energy-efficient living. This approach addresses immediate shelter needs while caring for long-term environmental impacts.

The design also focuses on passive strategies for climate control. The orientation of the buildings, along with well-placed openings for cross-ventilation, allows for natural cooling and light, thereby reducing energy dependence and improving living conditions. Moreover, the landscape design integrates spaces for outdoor gatherings and memorial elements, further enhancing community cohesion and encouraging shared experiences among residents.

The microhouses incorporate flexibility in their layout, allowing adaptability based on evolving community needs. This is particularly crucial in post-disaster scenarios, where housing adaptability can significantly impact recovery efforts. The architecture not only shelters but also serves as a venue for remembrance and community activities, reflecting the resilience of the affected populace.

Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a deeper understanding of its architectural plans, sections, and design concepts. Engaging with these details will provide comprehensive insights into the innovative ideas and functional attributes that characterize the Earthquake Microhouse project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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