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Butterfly Roof Design With Recycled Materials Enhances Compact Living Space

Authors:
Nusrat Mohua, Shafique Rahman
Butterfly Roof Design With Recycled Materials Enhances Compact Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing a butterfly roof for effective rainwater harvesting, this compact living space combines recycled materials and expansive glass elements to create a functional and sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs a butterfly roof design for optimal rainwater management.
02
Incorporates large glass panels to enhance natural lighting and ventilation.
03
Utilizes recycled materials throughout the construction for sustainability.
04
Features a double-height ceiling to create a sense of spaciousness.
05
Integrates multifunctional furniture to maximize efficient use of space.

The Nook is a compact architectural project designed to address contemporary urban living challenges while providing a comfortable and functional dwelling. This small-scale structure encompasses an area of approximately 23.5 square meters, divided into two levels that maximize efficiency and usability. The project aims to demonstrate that even limited living space can be optimized through smart design without compromising on lifestyle quality.

The ground floor features essential living areas including a living, cooking, and dining space. The upper level is dedicated to a sleeping area that also encompasses a small workspace. Double-height ceilings create a sense of openness, enhancing the user's experience of space. The layout cleverly incorporates utility areas, such as a bathroom with a shower and ample storage solutions, focusing on dual-purpose functionality of spaces.

Innovative Aspects of Design

Key differentiators of The Nook include its butterfly roof, which is designed to collect and manage rainwater efficiently. The roof design also allows for larger openings that admit natural light, improving the interior ambiance. This functional aesthetic minimizes reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency.

The structure employs large glass windows that facilitate passive solar heating and ventilation. This design choice not only improves energy consumption but also strengthens the connection between the interior and exterior environments, making the space feel larger and more integrated with nature.

Sustainable practices are a hallmark of The Nook. The project utilizes locally sourced and recycled materials, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility. Elements such as the small garden spaces outside the building contribute to biodiversity and urban greening, emphasizing the importance of integrating nature into living spaces.

Functional Design Features

The Nook addresses the growing need for urban living solutions that are both functional and sustainable. Its compact design maximizes space without sacrificing comfort, demonstrating the potential for innovative architectural solutions in small footprints. The multipurpose furniture and integrated storage further enhance usability and efficiency, making the most of every square meter.

With its thoughtful integration of sustainability, innovative spatial arrangements, and material efficiency, The Nook stands as a noteworthy example of modern architectural practices. To gain deeper insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, explore its presentation for a comprehensive understanding.

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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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