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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Frame Create Sustainable Urban Housing

Authors:
Andrea Martinez Piña, Emiliano Renovales, Adriana Galicia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Frame Create Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this urban housing solution enhances community living while addressing sustainability and compact design challenges in Mexico City.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced weight.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes modular living units designed for optimal space utilization and community interaction.
05
Employs rainwater collection strategies integrated into the roof design for sustainable resource management.

The architectural design project titled "Rising Upward" addresses the pressing urban challenges in Mexico City. It proposes a model for urban densification that is not only visually cohesive but also focuses on enhancing social interaction and improving living conditions for residents. The project draws inspiration from historical architectural forms, emphasizing a connection to the city's rich heritage while introducing modern solutions tailored for contemporary needs.

Unique Design Approaches to Urban Densification

One of the defining aspects of "Rising Upward" is its utilization of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in the construction framework. This choice underscores a commitment to sustainability and offers structural benefits, including reduced weight and improved thermal performance. The design incorporates modular living units, each limited to 25 square meters, facilitating efficient use of space while providing essential amenities. This compact architecture promotes a lifestyle that prioritizes communal living without sacrificing individual needs.

Terraces and communal areas serve as key components of the design, optimized to foster social interactions among residents. These spaces not only enhance the aesthetic value of the project but also encourage the integration of nature into daily life, reinforcing the importance of environmental sustainability. The thoughtful arrangement of elevated structures creates visual interest in the skyline while ensuring adequate light and ventilation throughout the living spaces.

Integration of Sustainable Practices

The attention to environmental considerations is evident in the project's design strategy. Sloped roofs allow for rainwater harvesting, contributing to water management within the urban setting. The selection of acoustic ceiling systems enhances the acoustic comfort within residential units, promoting a quiet living environment in a bustling city. The choice of materials, such as wood interior paneling and energy-efficient bathroom fixtures, reflects a holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring a reduced ecological footprint.

"Rising Upward" distinguishes itself from other urban projects through its respectful engagement with the existing urban fabric. The design acknowledges and enhances historical context, avoiding the pitfalls of extensive demolition. Instead, it seeks to create a dialogue between the past and future, providing a framework that integrates new interventions while preserving the narrative of the structural landscape.

For a thorough exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas that uniquely characterize this project, interested readers are encouraged to review the detailed presentation. This will offer deeper insights into "Rising Upward," showcasing how the project embodies innovative architectural solutions tailored for modern urban life in Mexico City.

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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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