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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Urban Living Experience

Authors:
Kit von Dalwig, Philipp von Dalwig, Susana de Zarraga
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Urban Living Experience

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design redefines urban living by seamlessly blending sustainable materials with communal spaces to create a functional residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and low maintenance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency.
03
Features communal outdoor areas designed for social interaction among residents.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize vertical space and natural light.
05
Integrates flexible unit configurations to accommodate diverse living arrangements.

The "Expanded Living" architectural project is situated in Brooklyn, New York, and aims to address the pressing issue of affordable housing within urban environments. This design focuses on creating a community-oriented living space that balances private and communal areas, promoting social interaction among residents while optimizing the usage of available land. The project’s layout integrates various unit types to accommodate a diverse demographic, creating an environment conducive to intergenerational living.

Community-Centered Design Approach

At the core of this project is the principle of community living. The design incorporates communal spaces such as kitchens, dining areas, and recreational zones, allowing residents to engage with one another. The layout encourages collaboration through the use of shared outdoor areas, including patios and gardens, which serve as communal hubs for residents. This approach to space allocation ensures that individuals can enjoy privacy within their units while simultaneously benefiting from the relationships that emerge in communal settings. The project redefines the concept of urban living, emphasizing community cohesion alongside privacy and safety.

Sustainable Material Choices and Flexibility

This project distinguishes itself through its careful selection of materials and the flexibility of its layouts. The use of engineered timber, glass, concrete, and metal not only ensures structural integrity and durability but also reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability. The design prioritizes renewable materials, aligning with modern environmental standards. The adaptability of unit configurations allows for varying household sizes and lifestyles, making the building suitable for individuals, families, and seniors alike. This flexibility adds to the functional diversity of the project, allowing it to serve a breadth of needs within the community.

Functional and Aesthetic Integration

Architecturally, the project aims for an integration of functionality and aesthetics. The building’s façade utilizes large glass panels, enhancing natural light entry, while maintaining a visual connection with the outdoors. The open plan of the floor plates is designed to optimize airflow and light, thus creating a healthier living environment. Moreover, the communal corridors are positioned to foster interaction among residents, enhancing the overall sense of community within the building.

For further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that form the foundation of this project, we invite readers to examine the detailed presentations available. This analysis presents just a glimpse into the complexity and intention behind the "Expanded Living" project, emphasizing its innovative approach to urban architecture.

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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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