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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Flexible Urban Dwelling

Author:
Ana Gabriela Maravilla Galdamez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Flexible Urban Dwelling

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber, this urban dwelling emphasizes flexibility and sustainability while fostering community interaction through its adaptable design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced longevity and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard to facilitate natural ventilation and communal activities.
04
Includes a modular design allowing for future expansion based on resident needs.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels within the solar canopy for energy self-sufficiency.

The Core Villa is an architectural design project that integrates modern living with traditional elements in a cohesive manner. This project focuses on creating a flexible living space that promotes community interaction while respecting individual privacy. It is strategically located within an urban environment, allowing residents to benefit from both connectivity and solitude.

The Core Villa comprises a central gathering space inspired by traditional Arabic courtyard homes, which serves as the defining feature of the design. The structure is organized into four primary modules: Module A, Module B, the Core Module, and an Expandability Zone. Each module serves a distinct function, providing living spaces that can be customized according to the needs of the residents. The architectural layout emphasizes adaptability, ensuring that the space evolves with the changing demands of its inhabitants.

Architectural Approach to Sustainability The project adopts a sustainable approach through the use of innovative materials and systems. The Core Villa utilizes cross-laminated timber for its structural framework due to its sustainability and thermal performance. The incorporation of aluminum profiles enhances durability while contributing to the aesthetic of the building. Furthermore, vapor barriers and insulation materials work together to improve energy efficiency, ensuring that the building meets modern sustainability standards.

Significant sustainability features include a solar canopy outfitted with photovoltaic panels, which harness solar energy to support the villa’s energy needs. A rainwater harvesting system is integrated into the design, allowing for efficient use of water resources. The design also features a mashrabiya that enhances ventilation and reduces heat gain, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and thereby aligning with eco-friendly architectural practices.

Flexible and Adaptive Living Spaces What distinguishes the Core Villa from conventional residential designs is its commitment to flexibility. The modular configuration allows for easy expansion, enabling families to adapt the living space based on their requirements. The Core Module, characterized by its double-height area and strong connection to the outdoor environment, serves as the heart of the villa, facilitating family interaction and social gatherings.

Overall, the Core Villa presents a pragmatic solution to contemporary housing challenges. Its blend of traditional and modern elements, sustainable practices, and focus on community interaction makes it a notable example of thoughtful architectural design. For further insights into the Core Villa, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project's comprehensive presentation.

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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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