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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable SIPs Define Compact Urban Living Solution

Author:
Dilyana Anatolieva Mihova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable SIPs Define Compact Urban Living Solution

Project in-detail

Featuring charred wooden shingles and structural insulated panels, this compact urban dwelling provides an adaptable living space designed for sustainability and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for exterior durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates structural insulated panels for enhanced energy efficiency and insulation.
03
Features a modular interior layout that adapts to varying space requirements.
04
Includes rooftop gardens to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for optimal space utilization and aesthetic appeal.

The Micro-Macro House is an architectural project designed to address the rising demand for affordable housing in urban settings. This project focuses on maximizing livable space through efficient design, promoting sustainable living while catering to the needs of modern urban residents. The Micro-Macro House is framed as both a solution to housing shortages and a model for community-oriented living.

The architecture employs a compact design, effectively utilizing approximately 25 square meters. Functionality is prioritized, enabling these dwellings to serve versatile purposes for individuals and small families. Interior spaces are modular, allowing for configuration changes depending on inhabitants' requirements, providing areas for sleeping, working, and socializing within a limited footprint.

Sustainable building practices form the core of the design ethos. The project utilizes renewable materials and integrates green technologies, promoting environmental consciousness throughout the structure. Key materials utilized include:

1. QuadCore KS1000RW LEC Roof Panel 2. QuadCore AWP LEC Wall Panel 3. Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel 4. Cooltherm K7 Roof Insulation 5. Plasterboard

These materials contribute to the building's energy efficiency, ensuring optimal thermal performance. The use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) minimizes energy consumption while enhancing durability. Solar energy harnessing features, including rooftop solar panels, allow residents to engage in self-sufficient energy use.

The integration of green spaces into the architectural framework also differentiates this project from typical housing developments. The design incorporates roof gardens and small agricultural plots that support biodiversity and improve air quality. This connection to nature is vital for fostering a sense of community and well-being among residents.

What makes the Micro-Macro House particularly relevant in contemporary architecture is its dual focus on micro-living and macro sustainability. While many housing projects prioritize size and density, this design emphasizes adaptability and personalization, catering to the unique lifestyles of urban dwellers. The emphasis on modular spaces allows for individual expression within a shared context.

Prospective residents can explore the architectural plans to understand better the spatial organization and innovative design strategies employed. Architectural sections further illustrate how this project balances privacy with communal interactions, enhancing the overall quality of life for its occupants. Through its thoughtful design, the Micro-Macro House serves as a pertinent example of how architecture can address the pressing issues of affordable housing while prioritizing environmental sustainability. To delve deeper into this project’s architectural ideas and design specifics, readers are encouraged to review the available presentation materials.

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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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