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Cross-Laminated Timber Structuring with Charred Shingles for Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Kevin Andrew Johnson
Cross-Laminated Timber Structuring with Charred Shingles for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design emphasizes sustainability while providing adaptable housing units that foster community interaction in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a modular design allowing for flexibility in unit size and configuration.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Utilizes locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.
04
Includes integrated solar panels to promote energy self-sufficiency for residents.
05
Design emphasizes communal spaces to foster social interaction and community engagement.

The Regenerative Complex Housing (R.C.H.) project in Kharkiv, Ukraine, represents a contemporary approach to urban living, combining modular design with sustainable practices. This architectural project is aimed at addressing housing needs while promoting community interaction and environmental responsibility. The design incorporates adaptable living units that cater to diverse family sizes, fostering a sense of community within a modern urban framework.

Modular Living Spaces

R.C.H. employs a modular system to accommodate varying household requirements. It consists of four distinct unit types: Type S, Type M, Type L, and Type XL. Each type is tailored to serve individual preferences and economic possibilities. This versatility allows the project to respond dynamically to demographic changes, facilitating expansion or alteration as needed.

The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary construction material is noteworthy. This eco-friendly material not only reduces carbon emissions but also enables faster assembly, contributing to the overall efficiency of the housing project. Additionally, each unit is designed with sustainable elements, such as integrated solar panels and green rooftops, promoting energy independence and encouraging environmental stewardship among residents.

Community and Social Integration

A critical aspect of the R.C.H. project lies in its emphasis on community-centric design. The layout includes shared public spaces, such as community markets and recreational areas, designed to promote social interaction among residents. Playgrounds and accessible transportation points enhance the community’s livability and sustainability. These features aim to forge strong social bonds and improve overall quality of life, ensuring that the project is not merely a collection of housing units, but a vibrant neighborhood.

This project also acknowledges Kharkiv’s cultural context by integrating architectural styles that resonate with the city’s historic identity. The design features encourage homage to local architecture while pushing boundaries toward a sustainable future.

Sustainable Practices in Design

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the R.C.H. project. Beyond using renewable materials, the architectural design includes systems for efficient energy use and management. Thermal blankets aid in insulation, reducing energy consumption, while landscaped communal areas contribute to local biodiversity. The integration of renewable energy solutions supports the project’s goal of creating a self-sustaining living environment.

The architectural plans and sections reflect a commitment to improving the ecological footprint of urban housing. R.C.H. is poised to set a benchmark for future developments by demonstrating how thoughtful design can tackle various societal challenges, from social cohesion to environmental sustainability.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this architectural initiative, detailed presentations of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and overall ideas are available, offering deeper insights into the unique attributes of this 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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