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Chakra-Informed Design with Reclaimed Wood and Flexible Solar Panels within a Canyon Community

Authors:
Elizabeth Joan Carmichael, Ar Kar Hein
Chakra-Informed Design with Reclaimed Wood and Flexible Solar Panels within a Canyon Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating chakra-informed design and sustainable reclaimed wood, this micro-home initiative nestled within an urban canyon fosters community connection while promoting mental well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Chakra alignment principles influence the interior layout and color selection for enhancing mental well-being.
02
The design integrates flexible solar panels discreetly within roofing for renewable energy generation.
03
Communal outdoor spaces feature gardens designed for growing herbs and vegetables, promoting local food production.
04
Reclaimed wood usage reflects a commitment to sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
05
Large glass skylights optimize natural light distribution throughout living spaces, fostering a connection to nature.

The Edge Dwelling project is an architectural initiative designed to address contemporary housing challenges while promoting mental well-being. Nestled within strategic locations near urban canyons, the project embodies the principles of biophilic design, sustainability, and community engagement. Each micro-home is conceived as part of a larger design that integrates efficiently into its natural surroundings, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents without significant environmental impact.

The core function of the Edge Dwelling is to provide affordable housing that prioritizes the mental and emotional health of its occupants. This is achieved through thoughtful layouts that maximize natural light and airflow. Each unit is designed to ensure comfort through the application of sensory-rich materials and spatial organization conducive to relaxation and social interaction.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining characteristics of the Edge Dwelling project is its emphasis on holistic well-being through architecture. The design specifically addresses the psychological aspects of housing by incorporating elements that stimulate all five senses. For example, the use of natural materials, such as reclaimed wood and bamboo, not only supports a sustainable ethos but also creates a tactile environment that promotes comfort.

The project's layout fosters a sense of community by clustering multiple dwellings around communal spaces. These areas are designed for social interaction and shared activities, further enhancing the residential experience. The integration of sensory gardens for growing herbs and vegetables encourages residents to engage with nature, facilitating both recreational and educational opportunities.

The incorporation of chakra principles extends beyond aesthetics, informing the spatial arrangement and color schemes throughout the dwelling units. This unique approach aims to provide spaces that encourage meditation, relaxation, and emotional equilibrium, establishing a measurable connection between architecture and well-being.

Visual and Functional Elements

The material selection within the Edge Dwelling project emphasizes durability and performance. Key materials include Kingspan K-Roc HF Wall Panels and Kingspan Roof Panels, which provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency. The inclusion of Liteway FRP Panels further enhances the lightweight nature of the design, enabling versatile facades. Flexible solar panels embedded within the roofing system demonstrate a commitment to renewable energy, thereby reducing long-term operational costs.

Architectural plans showcase a layout that maximizes spatial efficiency while facilitating natural light penetration. Large windows and strategically placed glass skylights invite the outdoors inside, reinforcing the connection between residents and their environment. Each unit balances private living spaces with communal areas, encouraging social engagement in a functional yet aesthetically pleasing manner.

For deeper insights into the technical aspects and design choices of the Edge Dwelling project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the innovative features and architectural strategies employed in this significant housing initiative.

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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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