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Charred Wood Shingles And Seamless Glass Integrate With Nature In A Tranquil Meditation Pavilion

Authors:
Linxi zhang Zhang, Rui Cao, Yicong Shan, Yiran Liu
Charred Wood Shingles And Seamless Glass Integrate With Nature In A Tranquil Meditation Pavilion

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls, the pavilion offers a contemplative sanctuary that harmonizes with its cliffside environment, providing a dedicated space for meditation and yoga practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features panoramic glass walls to seamlessly integrate interior and exterior environments.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views.
05
Strategically positioned pathways connect various meditation spaces, promoting flow and interaction.

This architectural project is a pavilion designed for meditation and yoga, strategically located on a cliff overlooking a vast valley. The design emphasizes a harmonious interaction with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a serene environment conducive to mental and physical well-being. The pavilion serves as a space for individuals to engage in yoga and meditation, supporting practices that promote mindfulness and tranquility.

The architectural design focuses on three stages of meditation: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Each stage is reflected in distinct spatial arrangements that guide users through a progressive journey of focus and reflection. The overall layout consists of multiple interconnected modules that facilitate a fluid experience while maintaining functional versatility.

Unique Integration of Nature

One of the standout features of this pavilion is its exceptional integration with nature. The use of large glass panels allows for unobstructed views of the landscape, seamlessly merging interior and exterior environments. This design choice is intentional, inviting users to experience the calming effects of the natural world during their practices. Additionally, the pavilion emphasizes natural materials, including concrete for stability and wood for warmth, contributing to the overall aesthetic and sensory experience.

The modular configuration of the pavilion is another distinctive aspect. Each module reflects a different facet of meditation and is designed to be versatile, accommodating various activities and group sizes. The pathways connecting these modules enhance movement and engagement, ensuring that visitors maintain a connection with the serene environment while navigating the space. This approach fosters social interaction in communal areas while still offering secluded spaces for individual reflection.

Spatial Design and User Engagement

The pavilion's layout includes specific areas designated for reception, yoga, communal gatherings, and unique outdoor gardens. The yoga room, with its expansive glass walls, serves as the heart of the project, allowing natural light to fill the space throughout the day. This feature not only enhances the visual quality of the interior but also aligns with the principles of mindfulness by continuously connecting users to the natural surroundings.

A rooftop zen garden adds an additional layer of interaction with nature, serving as a tranquil retreat for practitioners before or after sessions. This element directly supports the first meditation stage, Dharana, by encouraging users to focus on their environment as they prepare for deeper practices. The thoughtful arrangement of these elements promotes a seamless arc from entry to meditation, enhancing the overall user experience.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this noteworthy project, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. Understanding the unique architectural ideas and design solutions will provide a clearer view of how this pavilion stands apart from conventional structures dedicated to meditation and well-being.

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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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