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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete in Community-Centric Housing Solution

Authors:
Ruth Elita Prenzler, Sarah Camille Wilder, Ruth Prenzler, Sarah Wilder, Brian ernest Holland
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete in Community-Centric Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and recycled concrete, the design integrates adaptable housing units within a communal framework aimed at addressing affordability and fostering community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates recycled concrete as the primary structural material to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and design flexibility.
04
Adopts a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the units.
05
Includes communal gardens and landscaped pathways to foster community interaction and ecological awareness.

The Cluster Housing project in Los Angeles addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing while promoting community engagement among residents. Set against a backdrop of escalating homelessness rates, this architectural design embodies a solution-oriented approach that balances individual privacy with communal living. The project integrates various housing units clustered around shared green spaces, facilitating interaction without compromising residents' personal space.

Design Approach and Spatial Configuration

A key aspect of the project is its modular layout, characterized by interconnected clusters of housing units. Each cluster is thoughtfully organized around communal areas that serve as gathering points, fostering a sense of community. This spatial configuration not only optimizes land use but also promotes social interaction among residents, which is essential for building community trust and support networks. The inclusion of both single-story and multi-story units caters to diverse household sizes and fosters an inclusive living environment.

Material Selection and Sustainability

The design emphasizes sustainability through careful material selection. Recycled concrete forms the structural backbone, highlighting an environmentally conscious approach. Facades utilize wood paneling, contributing to a warm aesthetic while minimizing the carbon footprint. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and mitigate urban heat, a vital consideration in densely populated areas. Low-VOC paints are employed throughout the interiors, ensuring healthier living conditions for residents. This commitment to sustainable materiality plays a critical role in the project’s overall ecological footprint.

Architectural Innovation and Community Focus

What distinguishes the Cluster Housing project is its commitment to social equity. The design embodies a responsive approach to California’s housing regulations, particularly SB 9, facilitating the establishment of compact, affordable housing that aligns with the needs of low-income families. The incorporation of landscaped pathways, community gardens, and recreational spaces promotes environmental stewardship while enhancing residents' quality of life. This project challenges traditional housing models by integrating shared spaces into the design, thereby nurturing a more cohesive community environment.

For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of this architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into the innovative and practical approaches taken in this project.

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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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