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Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Canopy in a Residential Retreat

Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Canopy in a Residential Retreat
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Floors adorned with charred wooden shingles and an airy, translucent canopy integrate seamlessly into a natural landscape, creating a contemporary dwelling that emphasizes light and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floors incorporate charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and weather resistance.
02
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity while allowing for greater interior volume.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for both walls and roofing, providing efficient insulation.
04
Large, strategically positioned openings create dynamic light patterns throughout the living spaces.
05
Native landscaping surrounds the structure, reinforcing ecological relationships with the local environment.

## Conceptual Overview

"Forest of Shadows" is a residential architectural design situated in a natural landscape, focusing on the interaction between built and natural environments. The concept emphasizes the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, akin to the experience of wandering through a forest. The design integrates features that mimic sunlight filtering through foliage, fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a sense of safety and tranquility.

## Structural Layout and Materiality

The design employs a staggered arrangement of interconnected buildings, facilitating movement between diverse spaces and promoting a cohesive flow within the layout. Each area, including living zones, a kitchen, bathrooms, and communal spaces, is organized thoughtfully to maintain open connectivity.

The use of wood in the exterior cladding offers a rustic aesthetic while reinforcing sustainability efforts. Concrete serves as a durable foundation and pathway material, providing stability. The roof is crafted to resemble a forest canopy, utilizing lightweight yet robust fabric-like materials to diffuse light, contributing to transparency and enhancing the overall experience of natural illumination. Vertical white columns elevate the roof structure, creating an airy ambiance that preserves shelter while inviting the outdoors in.

## Sensory Engagement and Sustainability

The design encourages an immersive sensory experience, allowing occupants to engage with light, shadows, and sounds characteristic of the surrounding landscape. The arrangement and features of the home are intended to shift with the seasonal changes, enriching daily interactions within the space. The project emphasizes sustainability through the selection of low-impact materials and the incorporation of native plants in the surrounding landscape, enhancing ecological harmony while maintaining aesthetic value. The flexible layout supports both privacy and community engagement, reflecting a balanced approach to modern living.

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Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

Open architecture competitions

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Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
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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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
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Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
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Design a wine tasting room in Italy

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Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

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Prize Monetary award
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Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
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Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
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Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

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