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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Integrating Green Roofs and Community Spaces

Author:
Ben Schepens
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Integrating Green Roofs and Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber and green roofs, the design creates a multifunctional living environment that fosters community interaction while promoting sustainable urban practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an innovative vertical cart system to facilitate efficient movement within the building.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features interconnected green roofs that support urban agriculture and biodiversity.
04
Employs passive solar design principles through strategically placed curtain walls.
05
Includes modular unit configurations that adapt to diverse resident needs and lifestyles.

The "Towner" architectural project presents a compact yet multifunctional living solution that effectively addresses contemporary urban challenges. Strategically designed to support a rising population in urban areas, this project promotes a balance between living space and community engagement. Incorporating residential units along with commercial and communal spaces, the "Towner" redefines urban architecture by fostering interaction while ensuring high functionality within a limited footprint.

Efficient spatial organization is central to the design, allowing for varied unit configurations that cater to different demographic needs. Rather than adhering to a conventional high-rise model, the "Towner" adopts a modular approach, utilizing interconnected vertical and horizontal elements that facilitate movement and interaction among residents. The architectural form emphasizes connectivity both within the structure and with the surrounding urban environment.

Unique Design Approaches

The "Towner" exhibits several innovative design strategies that differentiate it from comparable projects. The use of green roofs not only enhances aesthetic value but also promotes urban agriculture, contributing to food sustainability. This integration of nature into the living environment encourages residents to engage in eco-friendly practices. Exterior and interior materials, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), are deployed for their structural integrity and sustainability. These materials enhance thermal performance and provide a natural aesthetic.

Significant emphasis is placed on accessible transport solutions, including walking and biking paths that eliminate reliance on automobiles. The inclusion of vertical cart systems ensures efficient movement of goods and encourages a community-oriented atmosphere within the building.

Urban Connectivity and Sustainability

The architectural design prioritizes environmental sustainability through features like rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient curtain walls. By capturing and filtering rainwater, the project contributes to water conservation and reduces runoff. The curtain walls integrate passive solar design principles, facilitating natural light penetration while enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the units.

Overall, the "Towner" embodies a comprehensive approach to modern urban living that emphasizes interaction, sustainability, and efficient use of space. For readers interested in exploring this innovative project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs are available for review, offering deeper insights into its unique 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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