Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Create Harmonious Microhomes in a Mediterranean Landscape

Author:
Filomena Visone
Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Create Harmonious Microhomes in a Mediterranean Landscape

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and local stone, the design creates sustainable microhomes that blend seamlessly into the Mediterranean landscape while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance both aesthetics and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and insulation.
03
Subterranean elements reduce surface disruption and optimize energy efficiency.
04
A communal hub fosters social interaction among residents.
05
Natural stone integrates the microhomes into the local landscape.

### Project Overview

Located within a Mediterranean setting, the development focuses on sustainability and community engagement while drawing from the region's historical context. The design aims to foster a sense of belonging and interaction among residents through thoughtful architectural forms that harmonize with both the landscape and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The site layout strategically leverages the natural topography, optimizing views and ensuring a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Structures are positioned to enhance visibility and promote interaction among residents, facilitating a community-centric atmosphere. The design includes shared communal spaces that encourage social collaboration and foster a sense of community, embodying the principles of cooperative living. The incorporation of microhomes, approximately 25 square meters each, integrates multifunctionality through modular furniture tailored to the demands of contemporary living.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Thoughtful material selection plays a critical role in the project, with local stone and wood utilized to enhance the aesthetic appeal while providing insulation and durability. The design integrates renewable energy solutions, including photovoltaic panels on roofs and efficient rainwater harvesting systems, to support self-sufficiency and resource management. Natural light management is emphasized through large glass façades and strategically positioned windows, maximizing daylighting and minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, the use of subterranean architecture minimizes visual impact and promotes thermal efficiency, further emphasizing the project's sustainability goals.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy