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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form an Eco-Friendly Retreat for Forest Guardians

Authors:
Minmin Shen, Xinrui Han, Wei Zhang, Hui Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form an Eco-Friendly Retreat for Forest Guardians

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the retreat seamlessly blends into its forest setting, serving as a sustainable home for guardians dedicated to environmental conservation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that improve durability and fire resistance while blending with the forest environment.
03
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and structural efficiency.
04
Includes large windows that foster a strong connection to the surrounding nature while optimizing natural light.
05
Designed as a modular home, allowing for adaptability and future expansion based on occupant needs.

The "Micro Home: Home of Forest Guardians" is an architectural design project that integrates sustainable living with environmental stewardship. Set within a forested environment, this micro home serves as a residence for individuals dedicated to protecting and preserving natural ecosystems. The design emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape.

The project utilizes a modular structure, allowing adaptability over time to accommodate the changing needs of its inhabitants. This approach ensures that the home can evolve alongside its occupants, aligning with their personal and environmental commitments. The architectural design incorporates an open layout with distinct functional areas, including living, kitchen, and private quarters that promote both communal interaction and individual privacy.

Design Features and Unique Approaches

A key feature of the Micro Home is its use of large windows and transparent walls that foster a connection with nature. These expansive surfaces invite natural light, reduce the reliance on artificial illumination, and provide unobstructed views of the forest. The focus on transparency reflects the project's commitment to creating spaces that merge the interior with the exterior, emphasizing an ecological lifestyle.

Sustainability is a core element of the design. The incorporation of recycled materials throughout the structure, including the use of locally sourced wood and energy-efficient components, minimizes its environmental footprint. The rooftop solar panels harness renewable energy, promoting an off-grid living experience. This combination of innovative material choices paired with energy solutions supports the occupants’ lifestyle while contributing positively to the surrounding environment.

Modularity stands out as a unique design approach in this project. As needs change, the structure allows for adjustments and expansions, assuring long-term viability. This flexibility stands in contrast to traditional residential designs, which often impose rigid spatial configurations.

The architectural layout facilitates efficient management of space. The open living area serves as a multifunctional hub, while designated private quarters and shared spaces allow for balanced interactions. Outdoor terraces and balconies further enhance this integration with nature, creating opportunities for occupants to engage with their environment directly.

Connection to Ecology and Community

The "Micro Home" embodies a philosophy that promotes not just dwelling, but active citizenship in environmental advocacy. The architectural strategy reflects the needs of those who dedicate their lives to environmental conservation. By providing an adaptable and sustainable living space, the project serves a dual purpose—housing and fostering a community of guardians committed to the preservation of natural resources.

For more detailed insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and visual representations, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. These elements offer a comprehensive understanding of the design's function, materials, and unique architectural ideas, showcasing how they collectively contribute to the overarching vision of ecological and community-oriented living.

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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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