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Circular Terracing with Local Stone and Earth Roofing for Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Pablo Landeo Mochcco
Circular Terracing with Local Stone and Earth Roofing for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating circular terracing with local stone and earth roofing, this settlement design prioritizes efficient water management and community agriculture in the Peruvian highlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to enhance water collection through terraced landscapes, utilizing natural gravity flow.
02
Constructed using local stone and earth, promoting climate resilience and thermal efficiency.
03
Features integrated agricultural practices, allowing for self-sufficiency within the community.
04
Incorporates permeable paving to enhance groundwater recharge and manage rainwater runoff.
05
The layout emphasizes community interaction, placing shared resources at the center of the design.

The architectural design project, "Descendants of Water," is situated in Peru's highland valleys, a region characterized by significant water scarcity and unique climatic conditions. The project addresses these challenges through an innovative settlement that integrates sustainable living practices, agricultural productivity, and efficient water management. By employing a circular terraced layout that follows the natural terrain, this design aims to optimize both space and resources for the community.

Terraced Layout and Water Management

The primary feature of the "Descendants of Water" project is its concentric terraced design, which facilitates effective water management and agricultural practices. This layout allows for the efficient collection of rainwater and runoff from the surrounding landscape, directing it through a series of channels to a central reservoir. This water body not only serves as a storage solution but also provides a communal focal point, reinforcing the cultural importance of water in daily life.

The terraces are designed for dual functionality, supporting both residential units and crop cultivation. This integration promotes local food production and self-sufficiency, fostering a sustainable lifestyle among the residents. The pathways connecting the terraces enhance accessibility while preserving the natural topography, ensuring that the design respects the ecological integrity of the site.

Innovative Use of Materials and Techniques

"Descendants of Water" emphasizes local materiality, incorporating earth, clay, stone, and sustainably sourced wood in the construction of the buildings. The use of local stone provides durability and thermal mass, essential for climate resilience. Roofs designed with earth and clay are configured to optimize rainwater harvesting, contributing to the overall sustainability of the settlement.

Permeable paving is utilized in pathways, allowing water to infiltrate the soil, thus minimizing surface runoff and enhancing groundwater recharge. The architectural designs reflect a careful consideration of the regional context, ensuring that each element contributes to both functionality and environmental adaptation.

Community-Centric Design Principles

The project embodies a community-centric approach, encouraging social interaction and collaboration among residents. The terraced layout fosters a shared sense of identity while situating agricultural activities at the heart of the settlement. By prioritizing water conservation and education, the design aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability within the community.

The incorporation of educational spaces for water management practices highlights the project's commitment to knowledge sharing and resilience. As climate change impacts intensify global water resources, "Descendants of Water" serves as a model for addressing these challenges with pragmatic architectural solutions.

For an in-depth examination of the "Descendants of Water" project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore further insights into this innovative architectural endeavor.

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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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