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Charred Wooden Shingles and Steppe Design Create Community Integration in Urban Residences

Authors:
Stephen Norman Barnecut, Maureen Helen Carrigy
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steppe Design Create Community Integration in Urban Residences

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and a tiered form that echoes the surrounding landscape, the design facilitates community interaction while providing integrated residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for sustainable weather resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure, allowing for unique interior spatial configurations.
03
Landscaped terraces create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to both structural integrity and energy efficiency.
05
Mixed-use spaces at ground level promote community interaction and accessibility.

The Joyce Hillside project, located in Vancouver, Canada, integrates residential and commercial spaces within its design, emphasizing harmony with the natural landscape. The architecture responds to the site’s topography through a stepped form that mirrors the hillside's contours. This design approach not only mitigates the visual impact of the structure, but also fosters seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. The building serves as a community hub, promoting social interaction while fulfilling the functional demands of urban life.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable characteristic of the Joyce Hillside architecture is its emphasis on community-centric design. By incorporating retail spaces at the ground level, the project encourages neighborhood engagement, promoting a vibrant street life. This approach counters traditional residential development, where commercial elements are often segregated, thereby enhancing pedestrian accessibility and safety through "eyes on the street."

The use of a diverse material palette is another distinguishing feature of this project. The combination of concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth and texture, glass for transparency, and metal for modern accents creates a cohesive exterior that resonates with the environment. This careful selection of materials plays a critical role in articulating the building's architectural identity, supporting both aesthetics and performance.

Spatial Configuration

The interior of Joyce Hillside is designed to enhance interaction among residents. Various housing typologies, from studios to three-bedroom units, accommodate different demographic groups, ensuring inclusiveness. The open-plan layouts promote flexibility, while individual terraces and balconies extend living spaces outdoors, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Circulation within the building is strategically planned, with ample pathways connecting residential and communal areas. The integration of landscaped spaces and pedestrian routes naturalizes the environment, offering pleasant transitions and promoting a sense of community.

To explore the intricate architectural plans, sections, and designs further, engage with the project presentation for comprehensive insights into Joyce Hillside’s innovative architectural ideas and its contribution to urban living.

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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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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
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