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Curved Retreat Crafted From Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Author:
Museong Kim
Curved Retreat Crafted From Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Inspired by organic forms, the design incorporates curved structures made from cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles to create a tranquil meditation hub that emphasizes connectivity with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by natural forms, the design features a fluid, curved structure that enhances spatial experience.
02
Constructed primarily from cross-laminated timber panels, ensuring sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, providing weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
04
The interior includes multiple meditation zones arranged around a central street tree, fostering a sense of community.
05
Natural light infiltration is maximized through strategically placed openings, enhancing the tranquil environment.

The “Contemplation” architectural project presents a thoughtful and functional design dedicated to fostering wellness and self-reflection amid urban environments. It serves as a meditation hub, thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings to provide a serene space for users to disconnect from the demands of modern life. This project emphasizes tranquility and reconnection with nature, aiming to create an environment that promotes mental well-being.

The architecture features a unique form characterized by sweeping organic shapes. This fluidity in design mimics natural elements, contributing to an inviting appearance that encourages exploration and interaction. The building's integration with planting areas and potential water features enhances its connection to the natural world, promoting biodiversity and providing users with a calming atmosphere.

Sustainable materials play a crucial role in the project’s execution. The use of wood panels not only offers warmth and texture but also aligns with ecological principles. The incorporation of soft fabric elements further moderates the visual experience, creating a barrier that retains privacy while allowing for interaction with the environment. The proposed glass elements would enhance transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces.

The design includes various seating arrangements and quiet zones that cater to individual needs, facilitating both communal and solitary reflection. Aligning seating around a central "street tree" cultivates a focal point, encouraging social interaction and environmental engagement.

What distinguishes this project from conventional meditation spaces is its emphasis on integrating nature within an urban framework. The architectural choices prioritize comfort and security, making the hub a welcoming retreat for a diverse audience. The project refrains from imposing rigid architectural frameworks, instead opting for shapes that facilitate movement and fluidity within the space.

Overall, the “Contemplation” project represents a commitment to creating functional architecture that prioritizes user experience and environmental integration. Its careful selection of materials and innovative design solutions set it apart from typical architectural interventions in urban landscapes. Readers interested in the project are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into this thoughtful design approach.

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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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