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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Steel Framework in Community-Centered Agricultural Housing

Authors:
Kaja Terze, Tomas Martinez Garcia, Hugh Daniel Gleeson, Tata Zakaraia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Steel Framework in Community-Centered Agricultural Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular steel frameworks and charred wooden shingles, this community-oriented development integrates agricultural practices with sustainable housing to enhance local engagement and resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular construction system that allows for future scalability and adaptability.
02
Incorporates community gardens within residential units to promote local food production.
03
Features a combination of charred wooden shingles with steel frameworks for enhanced durability.
04
Integrates educational hubs designed for workshops and community learning activities.
05
Designed specifically for resilience in post-war urban environments, fostering social cohesion.

The New Suburban project is an architectural initiative situated in Saltivka, Kharkiv, Ukraine. It tackles urban and suburban challenges by merging agricultural practices with community-oriented housing designs. The project emphasizes sustainable living, while promoting local engagement in land use and community development. By implementing an agro-industrial model, it aims to enhance self-sufficiency and social integration among residents.

Community-Centered Design

A central aspect of The New Suburban is its focus on community interaction. The project integrates various spatial typologies, including residential units, shared gardens, and cooperative farms. This design fosters a collaborative atmosphere where residents can engage in communal agricultural activities and social gatherings, thus strengthening community ties. The modularity of the design allows for flexibility and adaptability, which is essential in meeting the evolving needs of the neighborhood.

The architectural plans outline a network of interconnected spaces that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Public areas serve not only as venues for events but also as educational hubs, promoting learning and innovation among residents. By harmonizing living and working environments, the project provides a balanced lifestyle that reduces the isolation often associated with suburban developments.

Innovative Material Use and Construction Methods

The New Suburban employs a range of materials that support its sustainable goals and structural integrity. Key components include steel square tubing, steel I profiles, and modular prefabricated panels. The use of polycarbonate for cladding enhances natural light penetration while ensuring energy efficiency. This selection of materials reflects an emphasis on both durability and environmental considerations.

The project’s construction approach is marked by its modular system, which enables rapid assembly and reduces construction waste. The integration of systematized components facilitates straightforward maintenance and scalability, addressing the need for sustainable urban solutions. The design's reliance on local materials further supports economic resilience and reduces transportation emissions.

A Focus on Resilience and Empowerment

The New Suburban emphasizes resilience against socio-economic challenges. By incorporating agricultural practices into the suburban fabric, it encourages residents to cultivate their own food and foster economic independence. This model not only addresses food security but also mitigates reliance on external market fluctuations, enhancing community stability.

Furthermore, the project promotes active citizen participation in the decision-making processes relating to land use and community structure. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership among residents, ultimately leading to better maintenance and utilization of communal spaces.

Explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of The New Suburban to gain deeper insights into its unique features and functional approaches. Delve into the architectural ideas that shape this project and consider the potential for community-focused urban development.

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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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