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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrate to Form Sustainable Coastal Retreat

Author:
Asko Päiviö Lax
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrate to Form Sustainable Coastal Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design achieves a sustainable interaction with its coastal environment while providing luxury accommodations aimed at fostering relaxation and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability while reducing carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior volume and natural light.
04
Native plants in landscaping minimize water usage and promote local biodiversity.
05
Underground cooling tubes naturally regulate temperatures without reliance on HVAC systems.

The Ocean Oasis is an architectural project that combines sustainable design with contemporary aesthetics, situated in a coastal environment where the ocean meets the desert. The project aims to deliver luxury accommodations while adhering to environmentally conscious practices. It incorporates a harmonious blend of materials and innovative technologies to create a space that serves both ecological and human needs. The design focuses on maximizing views and natural light, establishing a direct connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Design and Functionality

At the heart of the Ocean Oasis is the main hotel structure characterized by a modern glass facade. This design facilitates significant natural light penetration while allowing for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The choice of materials prioritizes sustainability, particularly the extensive use of wood, which embodies the eco-friendly ethos of the project. The building includes amenities such as an outdoor pool area, guest villas, and communal spaces designed for relaxation and social interaction.

What sets this project apart is its commitment to using renewable resources and cutting-edge technology. The integration of smart glass provides energy efficiency and thermal comfort, significantly reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. The villa layouts emphasize privacy while maintaining a coherent visual connection to the communal areas, ensuring that guests experience both luxury and tranquility.

Sustainability and Innovative Technologies

A core principle of the Ocean Oasis is its emphasis on sustainability throughout the design and construction processes. The project incorporates innovative features such as underground cooling systems that naturally regulate temperatures, minimizing reliance on energy consumption. The landscaping strategically employs native plants to preserve local biodiversity and reduce water usage, further supporting the overall sustainability goals.

Unique design approaches include the use of hanging gardens and greenery incorporated into the facades, which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to improved air quality and building insulation. This integration of nature within the architectural design exemplifies a thoughtful response to the environmental context.

Project Presentation

For readers interested in detailed structural insights, the project presentation offers comprehensive architectural plans, sections, and designs that highlight the specific methodologies employed throughout the project. By reviewing these elements, one can gain a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that inform the Ocean Oasis. Exploration of these materials allows for a greater appreciation of how this project exemplifies modern architecture's potential to address environmental challenges effectively.

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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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