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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Construction Enhance Urban Housing Flexibility

Authors:
Clément Gauchet-dumortier, Kenza Jidad, Baptiste Moreau
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Construction Enhance Urban Housing Flexibility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates adaptable urban housing units that promote community interaction while addressing the need for sustainable living in a dense environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels are prominently featured to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior while providing a unique aesthetic.
03
The design includes communal outdoor spaces that promote social interaction among residents.
04
Adaptable unit configurations accommodate a diverse range of household sizes.
05
The bent A-frame structure optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the building.

The Urban Module apartments project is an architectural endeavor situated in San Francisco, aimed at addressing the need for affordable housing within the city’s densely populated urban fabric. The design employs modular construction techniques to optimize space usage and to create flexible living arrangements that cater to a diverse range of residents, from students to families. By focusing on adaptability and community integration, the project delivers a functional solution to contemporary urban living challenges.

Unique Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The architecture of the Urban Module project is characterized by its modular design, which allows for a variety of unit types ranging from compact studios to larger family-sized apartments. This flexibility in layout promotes efficient land usage while meeting different inhabitant needs. The structure's circulation system enhances connectivity, encouraging interactions among residents. Passageways and communal outdoor spaces facilitate a sense of community, which is often lacking in high-density urban developments. Special attention is given to the incorporation of balconies, designed to provide private outdoor space while fostering engagement with the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Material Choices and Design Innovation

The Urban Module apartments utilize sustainable materials, notably timber, which serves as the primary structural component. The use of timber not only reduces the carbon footprint of the building but also aligns with local architectural traditions, reflecting the character of San Francisco. The exterior showcases multidirectional façade layers that create visual interest and improve energy efficiency through the effective management of light and shadow. This innovative approach to façade design contributes to both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, setting the project apart from traditional housing solutions.

Adaptive Architectural Solutions for Urban Challenges

The design team has implemented an adaptive strategy, where modular units can be configured to fit the context of various urban sites. This capacity for adaptability addresses zoning regulations while maximizing the potential for land use, making it a practical solution to the prevalent housing shortage. The Urban Module project reflects a progressive architectural philosophy that seeks to harmonize private and communal spaces, thereby improving the overall quality of life for residents.

To explore in-depth architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, please refer to the project presentation for a comprehensive analysis of this innovative undertaking in urban architecture.

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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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