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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Sustainable Living Within Forested Surroundings

Author:
Sarah Langille
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Sustainable Living Within Forested Surroundings

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design emphasizes sustainability and sensory engagement within a compact living space situated in a temperate forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and energy efficiency.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and panoramic views.
04
Includes integrated storage solutions within staircases to maintain open living space.
05
Designed to seamlessly blend into the surrounding temperate forest landscape, promoting environmental harmony.

The "Autumnal Hills" project is a thoughtfully designed architectural dwelling aimed at enhancing the living experience for young couples in the temperate forests of the eastern United States. Focusing on sustainability, this tiny home design prioritizes functionality while ensuring a strong connection with the surrounding natural environment. It showcases a modern approach to architecture that respects ecological values and promotes a lifestyle intimately tied to nature.

The architectural design consists of a two-story structure with a carefully planned layout. The ground floor integrates essential living spaces, including a kitchen, a flexible living room, and a bathroom, while the upper floor houses a private bedroom and outdoor deck areas. These decks facilitate seamless interaction with the landscape, reinforcing the design’s commitment to blending interior and exterior environments.

The material selection in "Autumnal Hills" reflects a strategic emphasis on sustainability and cohesion with the natural surroundings. Local wood, light-colored bricks, glass, and metal fixtures are the primary materials, each contributing to the home’s overall aesthetic and thermal efficiency. Expansive windows serve to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views, enhancing the occupants' visual and physical connection to the outdoors.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining features of the "Autumnal Hills" project is its modular design, which incorporates built-in furniture solutions that maximize space utility while maintaining a clutter-free environment. The staircase cleverly doubles as storage, illustrating an innovative approach to both space-saving and functionality. This thoughtful integration addresses common challenges faced in tiny home living, allowing for flexibility without sacrificing comfort.

In addition, the project's attention to artistic expression within the living space is notable. By enabling customization through personal art and design elements, the architecture fosters an environment that resonates with the inhabitants’ identities. This versatility in design encourages a balance between work and leisure, making the space conducive for creative pursuits as well as everyday living.

Functional Spaces and Environmental Integration

"Autumnal Hills" also encompasses dedicated areas that blend practical needs with leisure activities. The combination of cooking, socializing, and relaxation spaces reflects a holistic view of modern living, emphasizing a lifestyle that embraces both productivity and enjoyment of the environment. The location in a temperate forest further enhances the project’s goal of sustainability, encouraging residents to engage with outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking.

The design outcome aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals of providing a comfortable, efficient, and ecologically-aware living space. By focusing on sustainability and integrating personal and creative elements within a compact footprint, "Autumnal Hills" serves as a model for future architectural endeavors aimed at modern, nature-centric living.

To explore the intricate details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design innovations, consider reviewing the comprehensive project presentation. The architectural ideas embedded in this design provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between space and the environment.

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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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