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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance a Coastal Creative Retreat

Authors:
Qian Yang, Yan ying Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance a Coastal Creative Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design offers a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality for a coastal retreat dedicated to artistic creation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Designed with flexible studio spaces to foster creativity and collaboration.
05
Integrates sustainable practices through the use of reclaimed materials and passive solar design.

The Hovering Ivory is an innovative architectural project located on the Isle of Wight, designed to facilitate both artistic creation and personal retreat. The architecture integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, providing an environment that promotes inspiration and creativity while meeting functional requirements. The project combines distinct spaces for living and artistic endeavors, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design.

Functional Zones and Layout

The project’s layout includes a bedroom, living area, artist's studio, and writer's studio, all organized to enhance interaction among occupants while allowing for privacy. The open-plan design of the living area allows for flexibility, serving as both a communal space and a creative hub. This configuration supports a lifestyle of collaboration and solitude as needed.

Each functional zone is defined through strategic placement of windows and materials. In particular, the artist's studio is designed to maximize natural light, essential for creative work, while insulating the space from external distractions. The writer's studio, with its secluded ambiance and wide views of the coastline, is an ideal setting for focused work.

Sustainable Design and Materiality

The Hovering Ivory stands out for its sustainable design choices. The project employs a material palette that includes polished concrete for durability, light wood for warmth, and large glass expanses for illumination and views. This combination not only contributes to the aesthetic of the building but also promotes energy efficiency through passive solar design and natural ventilation.

Unique design approaches are evident in the incorporation of skylights, which effectively enhance daylight penetration while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting. The use of reclaimed wood in the construction of bookshelves underscores an emphasis on sustainability by reducing the environmental impact associated with new materials.

Innovative Architectural Elements

Key architectural elements include the curved walls of the bedroom that create an illusion of expanded space, and the open central core that enhances air circulation and light flow throughout the structure. The dynamic proportions of the building not only create visual interest but also contribute to a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape.

The layout encourages exploration and movement within the space, with each zone imaginable as part of a larger narrative of artistic creation. These design elements, coupled with an awareness of the natural environment, create a residence that invites creativity while being firmly rooted in its context.

For a more in-depth understanding of the design and construction of The Hovering Ivory, readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the thought processes and innovative architectural ideas behind the project. Engage with this project presentation to gain further insights into the unique aspects of The Hovering Ivory.

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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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