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Cloistered Spaces Crafted with Local Stone and Natural Wood Emphasizing Community Connectivity

Authors:
Timothy Carl Mann, Robin Hentrich
Cloistered Spaces Crafted with Local Stone and Natural Wood Emphasizing Community Connectivity

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced stone and natural wood, the design integrates communal gathering spaces within a circular layout that encourages social interaction while prioritizing individual privacy for its residential functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Craftsman details incorporate local stone to enhance durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
A circular layout fosters communal interaction while maintaining privacy for individual residences.
03
Innovative use of charred wooden shingles provides both a striking appearance and fire resistance.
04
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategically placed openings within the bent A-frame design.
05
Community gardens are integrated into the site, promoting biodiversity and organic interaction among residents.

The architectural design project "Cloistered Coexistence" explores the interaction between community, solitude, and the surrounding landscape. It is conceptualized as a modern take on monastic architecture, merging historical references with contemporary design principles. The project is characterized by a circular layout that promotes social interactions while maintaining private spaces for individual reflection. This relationship between public and private realms makes it a significant contribution to community-oriented architecture.

The spatial organization within the project consists of a central gathering area surrounded by residential units and amenity spaces. The design integrates pathways that facilitate movement throughout the site, enhancing connectivity between individual residences and communal areas. The floor plan features a spiraling configuration, allowing for easy navigation and promoting social exchanges among occupants. The use of sectional views highlights the vertical relationship between spaces, providing ample natural light and ventilation.

One defining aspect of this project is its attention to materiality. A combination of stone, concrete, wood, brick, and glass has been employed to create a textured and inviting environment. The heavy stone and concrete form the structural base, while lighter elements of wood and glass contribute to an open and airy atmosphere. This careful selection of materials not only meets functional requirements but also aligns with sustainability goals by incorporating locally sourced resources and energy-efficient features.

Expanding on the unique design approaches, the project emphasizes the importance of transitional spaces. Arcades and cloisters are integral elements that serve as mediators between indoor and outdoor environments. These elements encourage residents to engage with the exterior, promoting a sense of community while also allowing for personal retreat within the private sections. The relationship with the landscape is enhanced by a thoughtful arrangement of green spaces and communal gardens, fostering interaction with the natural environment.

The architectural planning, sectional arrangements, and material choices present a cohesive framework that promotes both individual well-being and community interaction. Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the innovative ideas presented in this project. Interested individuals are encouraged to delve into the complete project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural implementation and concepts.

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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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