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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Harmonious Mountain Retreat

Authors:
Rozalia Balint, Peter Vrasko, Hajnalka Ildikó Dizseri-szilágyi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Harmonious Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design embodies a sustainable approach that integrates seamlessly with the mountainous terrain, offering a tranquil retreat for nature-focused tourism.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views while maintaining a compact footprint.
04
Employs a biosourced weatherproofing system to protect the wooden structure from environmental elements.
05
Designed with adaptable communal spaces to foster social interaction among visitors while preserving privacy.

The PEAK Cabins project is an innovative architectural endeavor situated in a mountain region of Central Europe, designed to provide a sustainable retreat that integrates harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The project aims to accommodate visitors seeking a connection with nature while emphasizing eco-friendly practices. By creating compact, minimalist units, the architectural design promotes a balanced coexistence of built and natural environments, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the on-site ecological context.

The design showcases a thoughtful site integration that respects and enhances the local topography and vegetation. The layout includes strategically placed cabins that maximize views and natural light while maintaining privacy and minimizing environmental disruption. Multiple spaces are designed for both communal and solitary experiences, enhancing the overall user experience. The project promotes not only relaxation but also encourages interaction with the landscape through outdoor terraces and common areas that extend the living space beyond traditional boundaries.

Sustainability is a core principle of the PEAK Cabins project. The choice of materials plays a pivotal role, with an emphasis on locally sourced wooden cladding and natural stone elements, ensuring that the architecture reinforces the regional character while minimizing the carbon footprint. Cellulose insulation and biosourced weatherproofing systems enhance the cabins' energy efficiency, providing comfort without compromising ecological integrity. The use of renewable energy sources contributes to a self-sustaining model, exemplifying a forward-thinking approach to tourism architecture.

Unique design features distinguish the PEAK Cabins from typical mountain accommodations. The architectural layout promotes adaptability, allowing the space to cater to diverse user needs, whether for individual retreats or larger gatherings. The use of minimalist aesthetics ensures that the design remains unobtrusive and complements the surrounding landscape rather than detracting from it. The large glass facades connect the interior spaces to the outside, creating a visual continuum between the cabins and their forested environment.

Moreover, the project incorporates water management strategies designed to preserve the local ecosystem. The site planning explicitly avoids significant geological formations, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. This holistic approach reveals a strong alignment between human activity and natural preservation, reflecting contemporary architectural ideas centered around sustainability and community.

For further insights into the PEAK Cabins project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its unique features and sustainable practices.

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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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