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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure with Louvered Screens Enhancing Urban Living

Author:
Kyle Bigart
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure with Louvered Screens Enhancing Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and integrated louvered screens, this design promotes natural ventilation and energy efficiency, creating a sustainable family residence in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates louvered screens to optimize natural ventilation and privacy.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that improve durability and aesthetics.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to reduce heat gain and enhance energy efficiency.
05
Integrates indigenous landscaping to promote local biodiversity and environmental harmony.

The architectural design project “Hatha Bayt Mennou” presents a modern interpretation of traditional housing, emphasizing both functionality and cultural relevance in its design approach. Located in an urban setting influenced by contemporary Middle Eastern architecture, this project integrates sustainable practices while addressing the needs of modern family living.

The architecture features a fragmented massing that breaks away from conventional box-like structures. This design allows for increased natural light and enhanced ventilation. The incorporation of large windows and angular roofs showcases a commitment to both aesthetics and energy efficiency. The choice of a tiered structure creates visual interest while maximizing usable space.

Inclusive of traditional elements, the project utilizes architectural features synonymous with Arab heritage, such as louver screens for shading and privacy. The integration of natural materials like cross-laminated timber and local brick reflects a connection to the surrounding environment while promoting sustainability. The design of the building encourages interaction and connectivity within the community through strategically placed open spaces.

Innovative Design Approaches

The uniqueness of “Hatha Bayt Mennou” lies in its adaptability. The design allows homeowners to personalize their living spaces according to individual preferences. The use of modular units offers flexibility, accommodating families of varying sizes and lifestyles. The interior layout supports multifunctionality, optimizing space for diverse activities.

The landscape design contributes significantly to the project’s identity. Indigenous plants and green areas not only enhance visual appeal but also serve to improve air quality. This approach to landscaping blurs the line between built and natural environments, promoting a harmonious coexistence.

Architectural Features and Details

Important architectural details include a central atrium that serves as a communal gathering space while providing daylighting to interior rooms. The use of soft landscape around the building creates a welcoming transition from public to private zones. Additionally, the careful arrangement of materials results in a textured façade that reflects light differently throughout the day, adding depth to the visual presentation.

The design responds proactively to climatic conditions, with overhangs and shading devices engineered to minimize heat gain while maximizing comfort. The project redefines the standard approach to residential architecture by embedding sustainability and cultural resonance into its core principles.

For a more in-depth understanding of the project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design elements that further illustrate the innovative ideas surrounding “Hatha Bayt Mennou.” The details within these documents provide key insights into how the project aligns with contemporary architectural trends while remaining rooted in its cultural context.

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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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