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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Create a Passive Solar Home in Rural Russia

Author:
Yulia Gusarova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Create a Passive Solar Home in Rural Russia

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and a dual-roof system, this passive solar residence utilizes thermal mass to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining a strong connection to its rural Russian context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs a dual-roof system to optimize solar energy collection.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for efficient thermal performance.
04
Incorporates thermal mass from log materials to regulate indoor temperatures.
05
Designed for strong integration with the rural landscape and cultural context.

The Passive Solar Heating House is an architectural project designed to integrate sustainable practices within the framework of traditional Russian village aesthetics. This design emphasizes passive solar heating techniques to maximize energy efficiency in a climate characterized by harsh winters and variable temperatures. The project stands as a modern interpretation of vernacular architecture, which not only provides shelter but also reflects cultural contextuality.

The architecture functions as a year-round residence, effectively addressing the needs of inhabitants through efficient thermal management. The layout promotes natural light and warmth while reducing the need for mechanical heating systems. By combining modern materials with traditional forms, the Passive Solar Heating House represents a thoughtful response to its environmental and cultural setting.

Sustainable Design Approaches

A significant feature of this project is its focus on passive solar heating. Large areas of double-glazed windows on southern and eastern elevations capture sunlight, allowing for a natural warming effect in living spaces. The significant thermal mass provided by log wood construction helps retain heat, releasing it slowly into the home during colder periods. The use of insulating materials further enhances energy efficiency, ensuring minimal heat loss.

The architectural design takes advantage of a dual-roof system that optimally channels sunlight throughout the day, maximizing solar gain. This innovative approach not only prioritizes sustainability but also modifies the spatial experience within the house, creating a dynamic living environment that responds to changing light throughout the day. The deployment of lightweight roofing materials ensures the structure remains resilient without compromising on functionality.

Integrated Community and Flexibility

The Passive Solar Heating House also addresses community integration through its layout, suggesting spaces for outdoor interactions and connections with neighboring residences. The design allows for flexible use of interior spaces, adapting to various familial needs or communal gatherings. This modular approach fosters a sense of community while providing practical solutions for contemporary living.

In summary, the Passive Solar Heating House is an architectural endeavor that effectively combines sustainability with cultural heritage. Its innovative design elements make it stand out within the wider context of architectural projects focused on energy efficiency. For those interested in the detailed workings of this project, further insights can be found by exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall design strategies that inform its implementation. Review these architectural ideas for a comprehensive understanding of the Passive Solar Heating House.

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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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