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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Eco-Friendly Cabins Nestled in Natural Landscape

Authors:
Antonio Grilli, Stefania López
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Eco-Friendly Cabins Nestled in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced materials, the design creates a series of sustainable cabins integrated with the natural landscape, serving as a retreat for relaxation and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural strength while maintaining a lightweight design.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient use of interior space and natural light.
04
Cabins are modular, enabling easy adaptation to the landscape and future expansions.
05
Locally sourced materials promote sustainability and support regional craftsmanship.

This architectural project features a series of modular cabins located in Vale de Moses, Portugal. The design emphasizes sustainability and ecological integration, providing functional living spaces that harmonize with the natural landscape. The cabins serve as retreat spaces, promoting relaxation, meditation, and interaction with the surrounding environment. Each unit incorporates modern building techniques while respecting local cultural elements, resulting in a design that is both contemporary and contextually relevant.

Innovative Modular Design

The architectural design employs a modular approach, allowing the cabins to adapt to varied terrain while optimizing the site’s ecological integrity. The structures utilize a lightweight aluminum framework, which facilitates easy assembly and flexibility in design. This adaptability enables future modifications or expansions without compromising the aesthetic qualities of the site. The use of locally sourced wood panels not only adds to the visual appeal but also provides natural insulation, creating energy-efficient living spaces.

Natural Ventilation and Energy Resource Management

Natural ventilation is a critical component of the design, achieved through strategically placed windows that promote airflow and climate control. Each cabin features operable square windows, enhancing cross-ventilation and reducing reliance on mechanical systems for climate management. The integration of solar panels supports energy independence, reflecting a commitment to sustainable living practices. This focus on energy resource management reinforces the project's role as a model for environmentally responsible architecture.

Cultural and Contextual Integration

The architectural design pays homage to Portuguese heritage through the application of decorative tiles inspired by traditional craftsmanship. These elements bridge the gap between historical context and modern functionality. The project also emphasizes communal spaces, with open areas designed for interaction, relaxation, and connection among visitors. These communal features complement individual retreats, fostering a sense of community within a naturally serene environment.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, explore the architectural plans and sections that detail the layout, material choices, and functional aspects of the design. These resources provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas and design principles incorporated into this unique 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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