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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Central Courtyard in a Sustainable Guest Residence

Authors:
Seyedehsolmaz Rastjoo, Sanaz Amiri, Farzaneh Fadaei
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Central Courtyard in a Sustainable Guest Residence

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and a focus on passive ventilation, the design centers around a nurturing courtyard that enhances the guest experience in a thoughtfully crafted residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
03
A central courtyard creates a shared space that fosters community interaction.
04
Passive ventilation design optimizes natural airflow and energy efficiency.
05
The bent A-frame structure contributes to unique spatial dynamics and visual interest.

The Verde Olive Guest Home project in Portugal exemplifies contemporary architecture that integrates functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. Designed as a guest residence, it redefines the traditional concept of hospitality through an innovative layout and materials. The building emphasizes a connection with its natural surroundings while providing a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

The layout centers around a prominent courtyard, serving as the main aim of the design. The arrangement facilitates interaction among guests and supports a variety of activities, from relaxation to social gatherings. Key functional areas include a reception space, dining room, living area, tasting room, and private gardens, all designed to enhance the guest experience. This spatial organization ensures both communal engagement and individual privacy, answering the diverse needs of guests.

Sustainability is a core theme in the architectural design of Verde Olive. The use of materials such as cladding wood, wooden support structures, glass, stone, and waterproofing membranes reflects a commitment to environmentally conscious practices. Solar panels further contribute to energy efficiency, minimizing reliance on non-renewable sources. The choice of natural elements promotes a sense of continuity between the indoor and outdoor environments, aligning with modern trends in architectural sustainability.

The integration of a central courtyard distinguishes this project within the context of guest accommodations. This design feature promotes a unique identity, allowing for a space that modifies traditional layouts found in standard guest houses. The sloped roof design and passive ventilation strategies enhance energy performance while ensuring comfort within the guest interactions.

The interior spaces of the Verde Olive Guest Home prioritize user experience. The choice of natural materials throughout the interiors, combined with open-plan communal areas, fosters a sense of warmth and accessibility. The strategic placement of windows maximizes natural light, enhancing the ambiance and further connecting guests to nature.

To explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and overarching ideas behind the Verde Olive Guest Home, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its design and functionality. The project offers valuable insights into modern hospitality 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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