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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Community Focused Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Jad Abdel nour, Elsa Abi ramia, Victoria Hachem
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Community Focused Retreat Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and topped with green roofs, this community-focused retreat integrates natural elements into its design to promote wellness and social interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates green roofs to support local biodiversity and manage stormwater.
03
Features modular spaces designed for flexible community engagement.
04
Integrates healing pools into the landscape for wellness-focused relaxation.
05
Employs passive design strategies to optimize energy efficiency throughout the year.

The Agrarian Idyll project is a contemporary architectural design situated in Quinta do Monte d’Oiro, an area celebrated for its agricultural backdrop. This project integrates living spaces with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing a connection to nature while promoting community engagement. The architecture employs sustainable practices and materiality to create a harmonious environment that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.

The project is organized into distinct zones, each with defined functions. These include areas for communal interaction, wellness, private living, and market activities. The layout promotes the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, utilizing landscaping features like green roofs and walls, which enhance the overall ecological approach. The design reflects a philosophy rooted in the biblical verse John 15:5, which highlights the importance of interconnectedness in life.

Integration of Natural Elements and Ecological Strategies

One of the unique aspects of this project is its dedicated focus on sustainability in every dimension. The use of materials such as concrete, glass, wood, and metal illustrates an intentional balance between durability and environmental compatibility. Green roofs not only serve as insulation but also help to manage stormwater and promote biodiversity. The architectural design incorporates passive heating and cooling strategies, reducing the energy load while maintaining comfort for the occupants.

Innovative spatial arrangements incorporate features like healing pools in secluded outdoor environments to facilitate relaxation and wellness. The architectural design maximizes the views of the surrounding vineyards and natural landscapes, enhancing the experience of residing or visiting the site. Flexible spaces adapt to various functions, from communal events to individual retreats.

Architectural Details and Community Integration

The architectural details are meticulously designed to reflect the project’s commitment to community and well-being. Shared spaces foster social interactions while emphasizing local agriculture through farmers’ markets within the communal areas. This encourages a sense of local pride and supports sustainable economic practices.

The overall design promotes a lifestyle that honors both the individual and the collective. It features areas for physical activities such as yoga and meditation, reinforcing the project’s focus on health and community. The well-defined connections between elements create a cohesive living experience that nurtures engagement with nature and one another.

For those interested in gaining further insights, it is encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the Agrarian Idyll project. These elements provide a deeper understanding of the functional layout and the design philosophies that underpin this innovative approach to contemporary architecture.

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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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