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Curved Facades of Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light in a Senior Housing Community

Authors:
Giulia Grifoni, Francesco Ligabue
Curved Facades of Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light in a Senior Housing Community

Project in-detail

Curved facades clad in charred wood shingles enhance natural light while fostering community interaction in a thoughtfully designed senior housing complex.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved facades integrate natural light while providing aesthetic continuity with the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and maintenance while offering a distinctive visual appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Community spaces are strategically placed to promote interaction and accessibility among residents.
05
The design features a bent A-frame roof, facilitating unique spatial experiences and optimizing views.

The project "WAVE" is an architectural endeavor located in Liège, Belgium, designed specifically to cater to the needs of its elderly community. The building integrates living accommodations with shared communal spaces, facilitating interaction and a supportive living environment. By emphasizing accessibility and functionality, the project addresses the unique requirements of seniors while also contributing positively to its urban context.

The design embodies a fluid architectural language, inspired by the nearby Meuse River. Its roof form, reminiscent of waves, signifies connection to the natural landscape and promotes an aesthetic continuity with the water. This project serves not only as a residence but also as a community hub, where various activities take place, fostering social engagement among diverse age groups.

Innovative Community Engagement "WAVE" distinguishes itself through its strong focus on community bonding. Unlike typical residential buildings, it includes multiple shared facilities such as communal kitchens, exercise areas, and activity rooms. These spaces are designed to encourage residents to gather, interact, and participate in group activities, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, the thoughtful arrangement of apartments around central communal areas enhances accessibility and visibility, promoting active engagement among residents.

Sustainable Design Elements The architectural design considers environmental and sustainability factors. The arrangement and orientation of the building optimize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Furthermore, large windows ensure that interiors remain bright and welcoming, while also providing views of the natural surroundings. The potential integration of sustainable technologies, like rainwater harvesting, underscores a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, aligning with current ecological considerations in architecture.

This architectural project showcases a blend of communal living and thoughtful design that addresses specific user needs. The innovative configuration of spaces and strategic material choices contribute significantly to its overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. For a deeper understanding of the project’s architectural nuances, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, explore the full presentation available.

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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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