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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Wood Create Community-Focused Living in a Desert Climate

Author:
Leticia Piacentini
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Wood Create Community-Focused Living in a Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and sustainable timber, the design creates a series of interconnected living units that foster community engagement in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes integrated rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and utility use.
05
Promotes community interaction through strategically designed shared spaces.

The Flower Project is an architectural initiative that addresses the challenges posed by urbanization and population density within a desert climate context. This design features a cluster of housing units that emulate the form of a flower, cultivating a visual and functional relationship with the surrounding environment. The layout comprises a central hub that serves as a communal space, with housing units radiating outward like petals, facilitating both privacy and community interaction. The project prioritizes ecological sustainability through careful material selection and energy-efficient technologies.

Integrative Design Approach The Flower Project employs an integrative design approach that combines aesthetic appeal with functionality. The spatial organization allows for flexible adaptation to varying housing needs, providing opportunities for residents to expand or modify their living spaces. Landscaped corridors throughout the site promote outdoor activity and enhance the microclimate, encouraging a connection between nature and habitation. Attention to the cultural context informs the design, with architectural elements that resonate with local traditions.

Sustainable Material Use The project emphasizes sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and construction practices. Key materials include certified sustainable wood, recycled components, and high-performance insulation. These selections not only minimize environmental impact but also promote energy efficiency. The incorporation of natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy systems underscores the project's commitment to reducing carbon footprint and fostering self-sufficiency.

For more detailed insights, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, explore the full project presentation. This comprehensive look will deepen your understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin The Flower 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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