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Biophilic Design With Corten Steel Emphasis and Generous Glazing in a Lakeside Residence

Author:
Falera Catharina Maria Van Balen
Biophilic Design With Corten Steel Emphasis and Generous Glazing in a Lakeside Residence

Project in-detail

Crafted with corten steel and extensive glazing, the residence seamlessly integrates with its lakeside setting while providing a functional living space that emphasizes biophilic design principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with a bent A-frame design to optimize snow shedding.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal performance.
04
Features expansive glazing for panoramic views and natural light penetration.
05
Integrates biophilic design elements to strengthen connection with the surrounding landscape.

This architectural project exemplifies a careful integration of building and landscape within a snow-covered environment. The design emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and a commitment to ecological sensitivity while maintaining a strong aesthetic connection to the surrounding natural features, such as the adjacent lake and woodland.

The project features a horizontal form that extends along the lake's edge, providing uninterrupted views across the water. The selection and arrangement of spaces within the structure foster a sense of community and facilitate interaction among inhabitants. Large, rectangular windows dominate the facade, ensuring ample natural light enters the interior while maximizing views of the landscape. The materials selected for this project—wood, glass, concrete, and corten steel—sustainably align with the environmental context, enhancing the overall design character.

Unique Design Approaches

A distinct feature of this design is its approach to merging indoor and outdoor living spaces. By incorporating expansive glass panels, the boundary between the interior and exterior dissolves, encouraging a close relationship with the natural setting. This design choice supports the project's overarching goal of ecological stewardship and enhances occupants' experience of the environment.

In addition, the curvilinear roof structure mimics the undulating terrain, creating visual harmony with the landscape. This roof form not only contributes to aesthetic appeal but also optimizes functionality by shedding snow efficiently during winter months, thus ensuring durability.

Sustainable Practices and Material Choices

The architectural choices reflect a strong focus on sustainability. The use of local wood for cladding reduces transportation impacts and supports regional resources. Large windows minimize the need for artificial lighting, reducing energy consumption. Corten steel, used in specific roofing elements, provides weather resilience while blending naturally with the landscape's color palette. The combination of these materials with thoughtful design allows the building to maintain a low environmental footprint while offering a high quality of life for residents.

For a comprehensive exploration of this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to delve further into the project presentation. This will provide deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that inform this compelling 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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