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Curvilinear Shelter Crafted with Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Emphasizing Landscape Integration

Author:
Sandy Jan
Curvilinear Shelter Crafted with Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Emphasizing Landscape Integration

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wood shingles and expansive glass facades, the guest house seamlessly blends into the landscape while providing a serene environment for relaxation and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency while reducing carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and creates dynamic interior spaces.
04
Incorporates extensive glass facades to blend indoor and outdoor environments seamlessly.
05
Designed with sustainable water features to regulate temperature and enhance the landscape experience.

The Portugal Olive Guest House is an architectural project situated in the scenic countryside of Portugal. It is designed as a guest accommodation that integrates with the natural landscape, providing visitors a unique experience of tranquility and connection to nature. The building embodies a contemporary architectural approach while remaining sensitive to its environment. This guest house serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, promoting relaxation and social interaction among its users.

The design effectively combines community spaces with private retreats, catering to diverse user needs. The orientation of the structure maximizes natural light and the efficiency of solar gain while minimizing the impact of heat during peak temperatures. This deliberate layout supports the dual function of the space, encouraging social gatherings in public areas while preserving privacy in personal quarters.

The use of materials is fundamental to the project’s identity. A combination of concrete, timber, glass, and metal ensures durability and aesthetic appeal while creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. Concrete provides a robust structural core, while timber adds warmth and familiarity. Glass panels are strategically placed to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering expansive views and enhancing natural light penetration. Metal elements contribute to the stability and structural integrity of the building, while also introducing an industrial contrast that balances the organic qualities of wood.

Sustainable design takes precedence in this project. Passive solar design principles are employed to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Features such as natural ventilation, strategically placed awnings, and green roofs work collectively to enhance energy efficiency. The project integrates water features that are not only visually pleasing but also functionally beneficial, helping regulate temperature and humidity levels throughout the space.

The design of the Portugal Olive Guest House positions it as a modern yet contextually relevant structure. The flowing forms of the architecture, especially the dynamic roof design, create visual interest and echo the natural landscape's undulations. This unique approach differentiates the guest house from conventional architectural forms, providing an experience deeply rooted in its geographic context while also offering modern comforts.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas of the Portugal Olive Guest House, a deeper assessment of the project presentation is recommended. This examination provides insight into the architectural decisions that define the guest house's character and functionality.

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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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