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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Arun Prasad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and laminated timber, this retreat seamlessly integrates into the Latvian landscape, offering flexible spaces for meditation and community gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced materials, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that improve weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity and visual impact.
04
Utilizes extensive glass panels to create seamless connections with the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes flexible multi-functional spaces designed for both individual reflection and community gatherings.

The Trails is an architectural project located in Latvia that integrates with the natural landscape while offering a multifaceted environment for meditation and reflection. The design emphasizes the connection between built and natural elements, creating a setting ideal for personal growth and community interaction. This resort-style complex comprises versatile spaces tailored for a range of activities, from meditation to communal gatherings, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and connection.

Spatially, The Trails incorporates various distinct areas, including a central meditation space, known as the Meditation Space, and a functional gathering point called the Visitor’s Burrow. Each component works together to create an overarching narrative that guides visitors through an experiential journey. The architectural design allows for fluid movement and interaction, supported by seamlessly integrated pathways that connect the different spaces throughout the site.

The project stands apart from other similar initiatives due to its unique approach to materiality and ecological sensitivity. The use of laminated timber posts and beams not only aligns with sustainable practices but also achieves visual warmth, in contrast with raw concrete elements that provide a grounding effect. Extensive utilization of glass promotes transparency and blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, enhancing the user experience and fostering a strong connection with the surrounding environment.

Another significant design feature of The Trails is the incorporation of flexible spaces that are adaptable to various uses. By combining areas for ruminative solitude such as Dark Chambers with communal gathering spaces, the design considers diverse user experiences and encourages both individual reflection and social engagement. This flexibility is further supported by thoughtfully designed architectural sections, which provide insights into the functionality and spatial dynamics of the project.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural organization and vision behind The Trails, readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, sections, and designs. An examination of these elements will provide more details on the innovative design approaches implemented throughout the project, showcasing its thoughtful integration with the landscape and commitment to creating meaningful environments.

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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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