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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Passive Heating In Sustainable Home Design

Author:
Carlos Bravo
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Passive Heating In Sustainable Home Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced thermal efficiency, this residence integrates a central courtyard for optimal natural ventilation while embracing sustainable living principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and insulation.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a natural aesthetic.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard for optimal natural ventilation and light.
04
Employs passive solar design to maximize energy efficiency throughout the year.
05
Integrates smart technology for automated lighting and energy management.

The Courtyard House is a thoughtfully designed residential project that prioritizes sustainable living and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Located in a warm climate, the design integrates natural elements with modern architectural practices to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment. The layout revolves around a central courtyard, which serves as a pivotal area for ventilation and light, enhancing both thermal comfort and the overall living experience.

Central to the architecture of the Courtyard House is an innovative approach to space utilization. The ground floor features an open-plan layout that fosters interaction among users, blending living, dining, and kitchen areas while maintaining a clear visual connection to the courtyard. Bedrooms on the upper level are strategically positioned to provide views of this central space, reinforcing the relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

The project utilizes a range of materials that support its sustainable objectives. Precast concrete panels offer structural stability while maintaining energy efficiency. Gypsum plaster finishes contribute to fire resistance and provide a clean aesthetic. Sustainable timber beams in the ceiling add warmth, contrasting the modern materials used elsewhere. Large glass windows and doors facilitate natural light, emphasizing the seamless transition between the interior and exterior environments.

Unique to the Courtyard House is its integration of smart technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Automated lighting systems adjust based on ambient light, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, a comprehensive energy management system monitors usage, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability. The incorporation of solar panels on the rooftop further enhances self-sufficiency, aligning with contemporary energy management practices.

The design also prioritizes outdoor spaces to promote sustainability, featuring a vegetable garden and xeriscaping with native plants to minimize water use. This design choice not only reduces resource consumption but also fosters a connection to the surrounding environment.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural elements and design strategies employed in the Courtyard House, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative architectural ideas.

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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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