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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geometric Forms Enhance Tranquility in Residential Retreat

Authors:
Nicole Bartel, Sofia Barcia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geometric Forms Enhance Tranquility in Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Emphasizing charred wooden shingles and geometric forms, the design fosters a connection with nature while providing a serene environment for reflection and communal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial efficiency.
04
Includes interlocking units that encourage interaction and exploration among occupants.
05
Designed with modular pathways that create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Namaste House is an architectural project designed to embody concepts of reflection, tranquility, and community interaction. Its layout and structural composition encourage individual and collective experiences, fostering a harmonious relationship with nature. The architecture of the Namaste House not only serves as a dwelling but also as a space for mindfulness and connection.

The project features distinct modules arranged in a manner that promotes exploration. Each volume is interconnected through pathways that guide occupants through varying spatial experiences. The spatial organization of the house integrates both indoor and outdoor areas, reflecting a design intent that holistically considers environmental context and user engagement.

### Material Choices and Form

Unique to the Namaste House is its careful selection of materials. The use of wooden cladding provides warmth and an organic aesthetic, while concrete elements contribute to structural integrity. The combination of curtain walls and reflective glass ensures abundant natural light while offering expansive views of the surroundings. This blend of materials supports the project’s vision of linking the interior to the exterior environment, facilitating a seamless experience of nature within the living space.

The architectural forms diverge from conventional residential designs by integrating geometric components that foster curiosity. Distinctively designed walls and openings frame views and manipulate light, enhancing spatial depth. The result is an architectural expression that balances formality and informality, creating a variety of atmospheres for different activities.

### Innovative Spatial Configuration

Another significant aspect of the Namaste House is its innovative spatial configuration. The design includes dedicated zones for meditation, group activities, and leisure, strategically arranged to enhance functionality while encouraging interactions within these spaces. This configuration not only serves practical purposes but is also reflective of the project’s ethos of promoting mindfulness and tranquility.

Additionally, natural pathways guide movement throughout the site, allowing occupants to engage with each part of the house at their own pace. This approach contrasts with typical residential layouts, emphasizing exploration and discovery rather than mere transition from room to room. The integration of outdoor spaces further enriches the overall design, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior lifestyles.

### Architectural Engagement and User Experience

The architectural engagement within the Namaste House is rooted in the user experience. Each area is tailored to foster interaction, contemplation, or rest, making it versatile for different user needs. The layout’s consideration for communal spaces alongside private retreats facilitates a balanced living experience.

Attention to detail is evident in the design of openings, reflections, and the interaction of materials. The project demonstrates a clear understanding of human behavior and the impact of spatial design on well-being. It serves as a reminder of architecture's potential to influence daily life positively, promoting a sense of peace and community.

To explore the Namaste House further, including detailed architectural plans and sections, and to discover the nuances of its design and implementation, please review the full project presentation. Understanding these architectural ideas can provide deeper insights into how design impacts user experience and environmental integration.

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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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