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Charred Wooden Cladding Enhances Connectivity in A Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Dan Jakov Budik
Charred Wooden Cladding Enhances Connectivity in A Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wooden cladding integrates seamlessly with community pathways to create a multifunctional hub focused on education and engagement within King Salman's Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Bent A-frame design facilitates natural ventilation and daylighting.
04
Integrated pathways connect the building directly to surrounding park trails.
05
Community-focused spaces encourage interactive learning and collaboration.
The architectural project "The Building as a Path" is situated within King Salman's Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It aims to fuse built and natural environments, creating an interactive space that invites community engagement. The design promotes accessibility, fluid movement, and multifaceted functionality while carefully addressing the environmental context.

The project incorporates various connected pathways that allow for seamless circulation throughout the park. This layout not only facilitates easy navigation but also encourages visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape. The building houses a visitor center and a nursery, strategically positioned to foster community interactions and promote educational activities. The design emphasizes an organic flow, mirroring the dynamics of the natural path.

A key aspect of the project is its focus on materiality. The use of reinforced concrete ensures structural strength while providing thermal mass for energy efficiency. Glass is used extensively to maximize natural light and create visual connections with the outdoor park. Wood elements add warmth to interior spaces and align with sustainable design practices. Metal cladding contributes to the aesthetic quality and durability of the structure. This careful selection of materials not only enhances the project's sustainability credentials but also reflects contemporary architectural trends that prioritize environmental sensitivity.

The project is characterized by its unique design approaches. The integration of the building with existing park pathways offers citizens and visitors an immersive experience within the natural environment. Each functional zone within the building serves a purpose, catering to diverse community needs ranging from leisure to education. The design promotes ecological awareness by using local flora in landscaping, supporting biodiversity while minimizing disruption to the existing ecosystem.

The commitment to user engagement is evident in the design, as extensive community dialogue informs the functional spaces provided. The layout encourages spontaneous interactions among visitors, reinforcing the project's role as a communal hub.

For those looking for a deeper understanding of the architectural concepts, designs, and technical aspects of "The Building as a Path," exploring architectural plans, sections, and additional design details will provide valuable insights into the methodologies utilized.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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