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Corten Steel and Local Stone Enveloped in Natural Light for a Spiritual Retreat

Author:
Juwon Ha
Corten Steel and Local Stone Enveloped in Natural Light for a Spiritual Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from Corten steel and local stone, the design integrates natural light and communal spaces to create a retreat that fosters spiritual connection and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced Corten steel to blend with the natural landscape.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Design promotes spiritual reflection through carefully defined communal spaces.

The "Borderless" architectural project is located in Jeju Island, South Korea. It represents a blend of natural landscape with intended architectural design, focusing on spaces that promote community interaction and spiritual well-being. This project functions as a multifaceted facility, incorporating various spaces such as private accommodations, communal areas, and specialized retreat facilities. The design emphasizes a seamless relationship between the built environment and the surrounding nature, achieving aesthetic harmony alongside practical usability.

The layout features interconnected structures that house diverse functions, including counseling spaces, shared dining facilities, a chapel, and recreational options. Each space is intentionally designed to facilitate interaction while respecting individual privacy. The architectural arrangement flows naturally within the existing topographic conditions of the site, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets the "Borderless" project apart is its focus on spiritual and communal living through architecture. The building’s design integrates communal courtyards, fostering a sense of connection and dialogue among occupants. The use of natural materials, such as local stone, Corten steel, wood, and glass, not only anchors the design to its geographical context but also promotes sustainability. These materials offer durability while creating spaces that are visually aligned with the surrounding landscape.

Moreover, the project incorporates passive design strategies, optimizing natural light and ventilation. Skylights and carefully positioned windows ensure all communal and spiritual areas benefit from natural light, while the airflow between structures promotes a comfortable environment without reliance on mechanical systems. The aesthetic and functional aspects are harmonized, reinforcing the notion of a space that nurtures its inhabitants.

Architectural Details and Function

In terms of architectural details, the project employs a variety of spatial configurations to enhance user experience. The provision of diverse accommodation rooms, including pilgrim and staff quarters, underscores the intent to cater to different user needs. Additionally, the incorporation of a Sufi lounge provides a space dedicated to relaxation and contemplation, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the facility.

By blending architecture with natural elements, "Borderless" serves as a pivotal example of how design can support community and spiritual growth. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces is geared toward creating a cohesive experience for users, allowing them to engage with one another and the surrounding environment.

For further exploration of this architectural endeavor, interested readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas presented within the project documentation. Understanding these elements will provide deeper insight into the innovative approaches employed in "Borderless" and its contribution to contemporary architectural practice.

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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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