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Biomimetic Design Featuring Angular Forms and Charred Wooden Shingles for Elevated Living

Author:
Na Shen
Biomimetic Design Featuring Angular Forms and Charred Wooden Shingles for Elevated Living

Project in-detail

With angular forms crafted from charred wooden shingles and extensive glazing, the design integrates seamlessly into its woodland setting, elevating residential living through a focus on sustainability and multifunctionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient resource management.
05
Employs prefabrication methods to minimize on-site construction waste.

Nestship is an innovative architectural project that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between living spaces and their surrounding environments. The design incorporates sustainable practices and a modular approach, allowing it to cater to various ecological contexts with minimal disruption to the landscape. This project is conceived as a refuge that prioritizes comfort and connection to nature, showcasing an adaptive design responsive to its woodland setting.

Sustainable Design and Material Use

The distinct architectural design features a modular formation with a pitched roof profile that draws inspiration from natural forms. The use of timber as a primary structural material addresses both sustainability and aesthetic requirements, offering a low carbon footprint while providing structural integrity. The project also integrates high-performance insulation boards to enhance energy efficiency and reduce heating or cooling requirements.

Large glass panels characterize the structure, facilitating natural light penetration and framing views of the immediate landscape. The careful placement of these elements ensures that indoor spaces remain visually connected to the outside, fostering an enhanced living experience. Additionally, metal cladding is employed to ensure durability and minimal maintenance, adding a contemporary flair to the overall architectural design.

Innovative Functions and Spatial Organization

Nestship’s design promotes multifunctionality. Interior spaces are flexible, accommodating various functions such as living areas, kitchens, and sleeping quarters while maintaining an organized flow. The verticality of the structure enhances space efficiency, allowing for multiple levels that encourage diverse uses.

A notable feature is the integration of outdoor terraces and balconies that not only encourage outdoor activities but also enhance a sense of community among residents. This approach signifies a shift from traditional living spaces to a more interconnected lifestyle that embraces the surrounding environment.

Unique Architectural Approaches

One of the project’s key differentiators is its commitment to sustainability through features like rainwater harvesting systems and solar energy capabilities. The capture and reuse of rainwater demonstrate a conscientious approach to resource management, while the use of solar panels emphasizes energy autonomy.

Moreover, the building’s lightweight construction significantly reduces impact on the site, allowing for a minimal ecological footprint. This design choice reinforces the project’s primary goal: to create an efficient living environment that respects and enhances the natural landscape.

For a detailed examination of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that contribute to the overall vision of Nestship, readers are encouraged to review the comprehensive project presentation. Exploring these elements will provide deeper insights into the architectural strategies employed to achieve functionality and sustainability within this unique design.

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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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