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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Urban Living Spaces

Author:
Andreas Thaler
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a distinctive façade for sustainable living spaces that seamlessly integrate into the urban environment while promoting community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while adding aesthetic character.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide rapid construction and structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
04
Integrated vertical gardens promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Modular units allow for flexible living arrangements to accommodate diverse resident needs.

The project focuses on the transformation of urban parking structures into functional living spaces, addressing contemporary challenges in urban housing. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the initiative presents a sustainable model that integrates residential living with communal aspects. The design emphasizes density while minimizing the physical footprint, enhancing the viability of urban centers. Through innovative architectural approaches, this project seeks to reimagine how parking areas can serve dual purposes within the urban ecosystem.

Transformational Reuse of Urban Structures

This project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture by converting underutilized parking garages into adaptable living environments, referred to as the "Small Living System" and “Urban Parasite.” The first phase emphasizes modular living solutions, creating compact, flexible spaces that cater to the changing needs of urban residents. Features include combined living and working areas, innovative storage solutions, and an emphasis on natural elements, such as vertical gardens. The project's design highlights sustainability through materials like Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and uses renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The second phase, termed the “Urban Parasite,” integrates public amenities alongside residential spaces, fostering community interaction. This unique blend of private and shared environments promotes social connectivity. Key elements include community gardens and spaces for recreational activities, which enhance community cohesion and biodiversity. The careful attention to detail in creating micro-climates within the building enhances the environmental quality and user experience.

Spatial Innovation and Community Focus

This project’s approach to spatial planning sets it apart from conventional designs. Each unit within the Small Living System is designed for multifunctionality, allowing spaces to adapt based on user needs. Moveable furniture and innovative storage concepts minimize physical footprint while maximizing usability. The Urban Parasite phase further optimizes this design philosophy by encouraging social engagement through communal spaces.

Distinct materials, such as Kingpin Quadrant Insulated Wall Panels, provide both aesthetic and performance advantages, ensuring energy efficiency and durability. Furthermore, the project’s incorporation of green roofs and wind nets signifies a robust strategy to mitigate urban heat while improving air quality. By integrating nature into urban spaces, the design addresses ecological concerns while promoting healthy living environments.

Design Outcomes in Urban Context

The architectural design presented through this project fundamentally shifts how urban environments are perceived and utilized. The dual phases highlight an adaptable framework capable of responding to evolving urban challenges. The emphasis on sustainability, flexibility, and community engagement reflects a comprehensive understanding of contemporary urban dynamics. Through this design, the project not only meets housing needs but repositions the role of parking structures in urban life.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, and innovative conceptual designs presented in this project, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. The architectural ideas and strategies discussed reveal the intricacies of urban regeneration and its potential impact on future developments.

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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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