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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Define Eco-Friendly Urban Habitat

Authors:
Gad Gal, Ben Maier
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Define Eco-Friendly Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, the design achieves a harmonious blend of durability and natural light, creating an eco-friendly environment for communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Includes integrated rainwater harvesting systems to reduce environmental impact.
05
Incorporates landscaped terraces that promote biodiversity and outdoor engagement.

The architectural project in question exemplifies a modern approach to sustainable design, emphasizing functionality, environmental integration, and aesthetic coherence. Located in a dynamic urban context, this design responds to its surroundings while adhering to the principles of contemporary architecture. The building serves multiple functions, including residential, commercial, or communal areas, designed to foster interaction and connectivity among users.

The architectural design prioritizes open spaces that maximize natural light and ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. A series of landscaped terraces are incorporated into the design, which not only beautifies the exterior but also offers functional outdoor areas for recreation and relaxation. The careful arrangement of spaces ensures that each unit maintains privacy while fostering a sense of community.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project, with an emphasis on sustainable and locally-sourced materials. Key materials used include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass for extensive glazing that promotes transparency and connection with the outside environment, and timber for warm interior elements. These materials are selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their performance and sustainability.

Innovative elements in the project include adaptive reuse strategies and integration of green technologies. The building may incorporate solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, showcasing a commitment to reducing its ecological footprint. Furthermore, features such as green roofs contribute to biodiversity and mitigate urban heat effects, setting this design apart from conventional architectural projects.

The facade is another significant aspect of the design, offering a blend of textures and colors that complement the surrounding architecture while creating a distinct identity. Vertical gardens or other greenery may be incorporated, enhancing aesthetic appeal and air quality. The relationship between interior and exterior spaces is carefully crafted, creating continuity and an intuitive flow throughout the building.

The overall design philosophy positions this project as a forward-thinking example of architecture that balances functionality with sustainability. It invites exploration and engagement with the built environment, encouraging occupants to appreciate their surroundings and the architectural choices made.

For further insights into this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs that illustrate these concepts in practice. Engaging with these elements will provide a deeper understanding of the underlying architectural ideas and design implications.

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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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