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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Sustainable Retreat in a Rural Setting

Authors:
alice ferro, Francisca Macarena Carvacho Muñoz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Sustainable Retreat in a Rural Setting

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels converge in a design that reflects the surrounding rural landscape, offering a sustainable retreat with versatile spaces for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable, weather-resistant exterior while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction waste and improve structural performance.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes indoor space while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
04
On-site furniture is constructed using local materials, minimizing transportation impacts.
05
The eco-green area features native plants, promoting biodiversity and environmental adaptability.

The Origamic Folds architectural project is situated within a rural landscape, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The design emphasizes a connection to nature while drawing inspiration from origami, where flat surfaces transform into complex structures. This project features a series of interconnected volumes that create diverse spatial experiences, characterized by their fragmented form. Each space is designed to cater to a specific function, encompassing areas such as a Guest House, Service Area, Spa, and Dining Area, all centered around an eco-friendly garden adjacent to a pond.

The project represents a contemporary approach to architecture that prioritizes sustainability and community interaction. By employing a design that mirrors traditional countryside cabins, it reconciles modern aesthetics with the historical context of rural architecture. The layout encourages both privacy for individual spaces and communal interactions, promoting a sense of belonging among users.

The unique design approach is evident in the project's structural elements. Each volume’s orientation and configuration enhance views of the natural landscape while allowing for effective natural light infiltration. The design’s adaptability to the site’s topography showcases custom solutions tailored to the environment rather than generic architectural responses. The use of large windows and green roofs further integrates the indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging a harmonious relationship with nature.

Innovative material choices underpin this architectural endeavor. The exterior is clad in blackened wood, establishing a bold contrast with the landscape while adhering to local building traditions. Concrete serves as a foundational material, reinforcing structural integrity and allowing for the creation of functional furniture on-site. Incorporating glass and metal in specific areas enables natural light maximization and thermal efficiency. The choice of locally sourced wood reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of material transportation.

The design also positions itself as an ecological and social resource. The eco-green area not only serves recreational purposes but also acts as a community gathering space, promoting shared experiences among visitors and residents alike. Sustainable strategies, including rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels in the greenhouses, are integrated into the overall design to enhance environmental responsibility.

For those interested in exploring this architectural project further, detailed insights can be gained by reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented. These elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural methods employed and the thought processes behind the design choices.

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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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