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Charred Wood Cladding and Transparent Glass in Sustainable Guest Homes Overlooking Umbrian Landscapes

Author:
T dániel Losoncz
Charred Wood Cladding and Transparent Glass in Sustainable Guest Homes Overlooking Umbrian Landscapes

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and expansive glass walls, the guest homes integrate seamlessly into the Umbrian landscape while providing a sustainable retreat for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates expansive glass walls to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Includes a wildflower meadow designed to promote local biodiversity.
05
Arranged to foster communal interaction while preserving guest privacy.

The architectural project, located in the scenic region of Umbria, Italy, is designed to serve as a series of guest homes along with a wine-tasting area, aimed at providing visitors with an authentic experience of the local culture and natural environment. The design harmonizes modern architectural principles with traditional influences, reflecting the essence of the Umbrian landscape while offering functional living spaces. Each guest home is arranged to ensure privacy and integrates seamlessly with communal areas, creating an environment conducive to both relaxation and social interaction.

Architectural Integration with Landscape

One of the defining characteristics of this project is its careful integration with the surrounding landscape. Buildings are oriented to maximize views while maintain a low profile that complements the rolling hills of Umbria. The use of transparent glass walls in common areas promotes a visual connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, emphasizing the natural beauty of the location. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the design but also allows for natural light to permeate the interiors, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Sustainable Design Strategies

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the project’s design philosophy. The use of bioclimatic principles informs the orientation of buildings for optimal natural ventilation and passive solar heating. Featuring green roofs and wildflower meadows, the landscape design prioritizes biodiversity, providing habitats for local wildlife while enhancing the ecological footprint of the project. Notable materials include anthracite sheet metal roofing, wood cladding for warmth, and head bricks for structural integrity, selected not only for durability but also for their alignment with local building traditions.

Community-Centric Planning

The layout of the guest homes encourages a sense of community while allowing for individual retreat. This balance is achieved through strategically placed communal spaces, such as the wine-tasting area, which serves as a gathering point. The architectural design fosters interaction among guests, creating an environment where cultural exchange is encouraged.

Through these thoughtful design strategies, the project distinguishes itself as an authentic interpretation of Umbrian culture, aiming to enhance the visitor experience while respecting the local context. For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that contribute to this project’s execution, further exploration of the presentation is encouraged.

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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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