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Charred Wood Facade and Glulam Structure Create a Welcoming Hub Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Authors:
Elena Thatcher, Max Jones, Ruth Hall
Charred Wood Facade and Glulam Structure Create a Welcoming Hub Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Project in-detail

A distinctive charred wood facade and a glulam structure create an inviting rest area along the Trans-Siberian Railway, offering travelers a functional space for respite and communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
A bent A-frame design maximizes structural stability and interior spatial efficiency.
03
Glulam beams create large open areas without the need for intrusive columns.
04
An integrated solid fuel heating system promotes energy efficiency and communal gathering.
05
Generous use of polycarbonate panels ensures natural light while maintaining thermal insulation.

The Trans-Siberian Railway pit stop serves as a modern architectural intervention positioned strategically along one of the world’s most iconic railway routes. This project functions as a rest area for travelers, providing essential amenities while creating a distinct architectural identity. Designed with a focus on both utility and aesthetics, the pit stop also acts as a cultural touchpoint for passengers embarking on long journeys, reflecting the unique heritage of the region.

The building employs a composition of materials that prioritize both functionality and environmental adaptation. Glue-laminated timber forms the primary structural framework, offering a balance between strength and visual appeal. The inclusion of polycarbonate panels throughout the roof and façade provides an element of transparency, allowing natural light to penetrate the interior while ensuring protection from the elements. Insulated panels enhance thermal performance essential for varying climatic conditions found along the Trans-Siberian route, ensuring comfort for users.

The project features several key areas tailored to enhance the traveler experience. The public space is centered around a solid fuel fireplace, which serves as a social focal point. This element not only encourages communal interaction but also evokes a sense of warmth and hospitality. Surrounding the fireplace, carefully designed seating arrangements provide comfort and accessibility for visitors. A viewing platform extends the spatial experience, offering travelers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, effectively integrating the built environment with nature.

Unique to this design is its emphasis on bridging traditional and modern architectural principles. The decision to incorporate a chimney-like structure, reminiscent of historical railway architectures, serves both as a functional element and a visual marker within the landscape. This architectural approach sets the pit stop apart from typical railway facilities, which often prioritize utility over experience. The innovative use of materials and thoughtful spatial organization reflects a commitment to enhancing the journey, creating not just a stopover but a meaningful rest point.

Attention to local cultural elements imbues the project with deeper significance. The architectural response to the needs of travelers, combined with the integration of communal spaces, underscores the importance of social interaction during transit. This focus on the traveler’s experience distinguishes the pit stop from conventional designs, reinforcing its role as a welcoming haven amidst the sprawling railway network.

For a deeper understanding of the Trans-Siberian Railway pit stop project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the complete presentation to appreciate the architectural ideas and design methodologies employed.

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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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