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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Versatile Urban Hub

Authors:
Jakob Wiesner, Tyler Glass
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Versatile Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a functional urban hub that merges sustainable living with integrated community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and reduced maintenance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber for expedited construction timelines and structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability and water efficiency.
05
Offers versatile communal spaces adaptable to various community activities and events.

The project is a contemporary architectural design located in an urban context, emphasizing functionality and sustainability. This building serves a mixed-use purpose, accommodating residential spaces alongside commercial areas. The design reflects a balance between aesthetics and practicality, offering a seamless integration of living and working environments. Key architectural features include an innovative facade that enhances energy efficiency while maintaining a connection to the surrounding urban landscape.

The structure's layout optimizes natural light and promotes airflow, which is crucial for reducing energy consumption. By incorporating communal spaces, the design fosters social interaction among residents and visitors, aiming to strengthen community engagement. The use of high-performance materials not only supports durability but also minimizes maintenance requirements over the long term.

Unique Approaches to Functionality and Aesthetics

The project distinguishes itself through its adaptability to changing user needs. Flexible floor plans have been devised to accommodate various residential configurations, allowing individual units to be reconfigured as required. This feature enhances the project's resilience in a dynamic urban setting. Furthermore, the design includes sustainable technologies, such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels, indicating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The architectural articulation of the facade plays a critical role in the project's identity. The use of textured surfaces creates visual interest while breaking down the building's scale, making it more approachable. Large windows not only improve the aesthetic quality but also enhance occupants' experience by providing views of the surrounding urban context, thus encouraging a connection with the neighborhood.

Innovative Structural Solutions

Another significant aspect of the design is its structural approach. The incorporation of lightweight materials in combination with a robust framing system allows for wide open spaces and less reliance on internal load-bearing walls. This method maximizes usable area, providing both residential and commercial units with functional layouts. Additionally, the project employs green roofs and vertical gardens, promoting biodiversity and offering residents a unique outdoor amenity. These elements are not merely decorative; they contribute to the building’s environmental performance by improving insulation and managing stormwater runoff.

By considering both current needs and future adaptability, this project sets a precedent for urban architecture that values longevity and user comfort. For those interested in the specifics of the design, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and other design elements will provide further insight into the thoughtful decisions that shaped this project. Exploring these details will reveal how the architecture addresses practical challenges while contributing positively to the urban landscape.

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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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