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Creating Community Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Perforated Facades

Authors:
Ricky Nicholas Gagliardi, Michael Yan Chen
Creating Community Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Perforated Facades

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and perforated brick panels, the design fosters a seamless connection between private and communal spaces, resulting in a forward-thinking residential structure that enhances community engagement in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates perforated brick panels for improved natural ventilation and light control.
03
Features a dual courtyard design that fosters social interaction and community ties.
04
Integrates urban agriculture elements with communal planter walls for local food production.
05
Employs passive cooling strategies tailored to the arid climate of Dubai.

The Inbetween House is a residential architectural project located in Dubai that embodies a blend of modern design principles and cultural contextuality. Designed to accommodate the needs of contemporary urban living, this project establishes defined spaces for interaction and privacy through thoughtful architectural planning. The concept integrates communal and private courtyards, providing a unique framework that fosters both personal and community engagements while enhancing the overall living experience.

The architectural design features a dual courtyard approach, emphasizing the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design allows for ample natural light and ventilation, important for energy efficiency in the local climate. The open-plan layout on the ground floor facilitates seamless movement between rooms and promotes an interactive lifestyle, while upper levels are designed to prioritize privacy through strategic window placement and outdoor areas.

Sustainable design is a key focus of the Inbetween House. The choice of materials plays a significant role in the effectiveness of this ideology. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural element, promoting eco-friendly construction with excellent thermal insulation. Recycled concrete blocks contribute to waste reduction while maintaining structural strength. The use of perforated brick panels for the facade allows for passive ventilation and light modulation, reducing dependence on air conditioning.

The project’s unique approach to community engagement is highlighted through shared spaces such as communal planter walls, which not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also encourage urban agriculture and sustainability initiatives within the residential complex. This emphasis on shared responsibility adds a layer of social interaction often missing in urban designs.

In addition to these distinct features, the Inbetween House utilizes passive design strategies effectively. High emissivity roofing materials and strategic shading elements contribute to the building's climate resilience, ensuring a comfortable living environment that minimizes energy consumption. Vertical and horizontal connections to natural elements are prioritized, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape.

For an in-depth understanding of the architectural concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. These elements provide valuable insights into the design process and the underlying principles that shape the Inbetween House, showcasing how architecture can effectively respond to contemporary living challenges in urban environments.

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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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