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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enhance Community Workspace Functions

Author:
Shi Qi Ng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enhance Community Workspace Functions

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and integrated vertical gardens, this community workspace promotes collaboration and sustainability within an adaptable environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and unique aesthetic quality.
02
Vertical gardens enhance air quality and promote biodiversity within the workspace.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural strength while minimizing carbon footprint.
04
Flexible spatial configurations facilitate diverse activities, from informal gatherings to focused work.
05
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and reinforces structural integrity.

The project "The Uncommon" in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, is an architectural endeavor that recontextualizes the modern workplace. Designed with a focus on flexibility and community engagement, this project serves as a versatile space that accommodates a varied range of functions including collaborative work, individual tasks, and social interactions. The architectural concept integrates sustainable practices and innovative design elements that resonate with contemporary needs for functionality and environmental responsibility.

Unique Exploration of Community and Functionality "The Uncommon" stands out through its strategic use of space that prioritizes both individual and communal activities. The design introduces open work areas that allow for adaptability, enabling spaces to shift between formal meetings, casual interactions, and individual concentration. The inclusion of communal zones emphasizes networking opportunities and cooperation among users. These spaces, such as lounges and kitchens, foster a sense of community, transforming the traditional perception of the workplace into a more integrated social environment.

This project uniquely integrates nature within the architectural fabric through features such as vertical gardens and rainwater harvesting systems. The incorporation of these natural elements not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the building but also contributes to improved air quality and employee well-being. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainability, minimizing the environmental impact while maximizing user comfort.

Innovative Materials and Design Techniques The architectural design of "The Uncommon" employs a thoughtful selection of materials aimed at reinforcing its sustainable ethos. Materials such as concrete and aluminum are used for structural and aesthetic purposes, offering durability while maintaining a lightweight feel. Large glass panels facilitate natural light penetration, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and promoting an energizing atmosphere within the workspace.

Moreover, the flooring comprised of rubber aids in acoustic comfort, essential in a multi-functional workspace. These material choices are not merely aesthetic; they contribute towards a health-oriented environment, aligning with the rising trends in architectural design focused on well-being.

The project also showcases an innovative spatial configuration through its hybrid office layout. Noteworthy is the inclusion of multi-functional areas, such as the staircase auditorium designed for presentations and informal gatherings. This design decision emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the workspace can evolve and respond to the diverse needs of its users, thus fostering a more dynamic workflow.

For a more detailed exploration of the architectural components, it is encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs. By examining these elements, one can gain insights into how "The Uncommon" successfully integrates functionality, sustainability, and a strong sense of community within its design.

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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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