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Cross-Laminated Timber Meets Charred Shingles in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Duarte Franco da rosa, Gonçalo Pirrolas, Margarida Bessa, Tiago Santos
Cross-Laminated Timber Meets Charred Shingles in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Combining cross-laminated timber panels with charred wooden shingles, the design integrates sustainable materials to create a versatile community hub that encourages social interaction and environmental connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber to enhance structural integrity and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates a green wall system to promote biodiversity and environmental wellness.
05
Designed as a flexible community hub to support various social functions and activities.

The architectural project under analysis exemplifies a thoughtful integration of space, function, and aesthetic. Designed to serve as both a community hub and a functional space, this architecture emphasizes the importance of social interaction and adaptability within its design. Located in a vibrant urban landscape, the project harmonizes with its environment while addressing the needs of its users.

The building features an innovative layout that promotes fluid movement between distinct functional areas. The use of open floor plans allows for flexibility, accommodating various activities such as gatherings, workshops, and exhibitions. Tall windows strategically positioned throughout the structure enhance natural lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere while improving energy efficiency. The design aims to foster a sense of community by encouraging informal meetings and interactions.

One of the unique aspects of this architectural project is its emphasis on biophilic design principles. By incorporating green walls and landscaped rooftop gardens, the project seeks to create a connection between the occupants and nature, enhancing the overall well-being of its users. The integration of sustainable elements, such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels, reinforces the architectural commitment to environmental responsibility.

The materiality of the project plays a crucial role in defining its character. A combination of reinforced concrete, timber, glass, and steel is employed to establish a balanced aesthetic. The concrete provides structural integrity while allowing for sculptural forms. Timber details add warmth and texture, contrasting with the sleek modernity of glass façades and steel elements. This deliberate choice of materials not only responds to aesthetic considerations but also addresses functional requirements, enhancing durability and maintenance ease.

Incorporating elements that celebrate local culture, the project features art installations and design motifs that reflect the community’s heritage. This responsive approach ensures that the building is not merely a physical structure but a meaningful part of the urban fabric. The careful consideration of context and history sets this architecture apart from typical commercial or residential developments.

Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented in the project documentation. A closer examination of these elements will provide comprehensive insights into the architectural ideas that inform this distinctive project.

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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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