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Cylindrical Housing Units Constructed From Composite Boards for Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Salvatore Lo Cascio, Emanuele Carlino
Cylindrical Housing Units Constructed From Composite Boards for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from sustainable composite boards, these modular cylindrical units provide adaptable housing solutions that facilitate community integration for vulnerable migrant populations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from crushed and reconstructed composite boards for enhanced sustainability.
02
Cylindrical modules promote efficient ventilation and natural cooling.
03
Integrated biological purification systems manage water resources effectively.
04
Community spaces encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Designed to easily configure into clusters for flexible living arrangements.

The Haven Horizon project is an architectural initiative located in Sicily, designed specifically to address the housing needs of migrants arriving on the island. This project emphasizes modular living, providing adaptable living units for individuals, families, and vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on unaccompanied minors and women. By integrating sustainable design principles, Haven Horizon aims to create a supportive and resource-efficient community.

Modular Design and Sustainability

One of the key features of Haven Horizon is its modular design. The housing units are constructed using crushed and reconstructed composite boards, which not only embody sustainability but also provide resilience against harsh environmental conditions. The cylindrical shape of the units promotes efficient space utilization and encourages communal living. This design fosters social interaction among residents, an essential aspect for integration into the local community.

The project employs a variety of innovative materials, including corrosion-resistant copper for external elements and transparent polycarbonate for partitions. These materials are chosen for their durability and functionality, serving to enhance the living conditions within the modular units. Additionally, an integrated water management system utilizing biological purification processes ensures efficient water usage and reduces the environmental footprint of the housing complex.

Community Engagement and Shared Spaces

Haven Horizon goes beyond providing individual living units; it emphasizes the importance of community engagement through shared spaces. By incorporating communal facilities such as cooking areas, bathrooms, and gathering spaces, the design encourages collaboration and cultural exchange among residents. This focus on communal living is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support within the migrant population.

The project also addresses practical aspects of living by integrating essential services like laundry facilities and outdoor gathering zones. These spaces are designed to accommodate diverse activities, further enhancing the community aspect of Haven Horizon. The careful arrangement of these facilities within the overall layout promotes accessibility and ensures that essential services are within close proximity to all residents.

In-depth Insight into Architectural Elements

To fully appreciate the Haven Horizon project, one can explore its architectural plans and sections. The planning process emphasizes efficient layout and the response to the Sicilian climate, with natural ventilation and cooling strategies embedded within the design. Moreover, the integration of solar panels ensures energy efficiency, highlighting the project’s commitment to sustainability.

The design approach of Haven Horizon presents a comprehensive understanding of the needs of migrant communities. It emphasizes the dual objectives of providing shelter and encouraging social interaction, setting a precedent for future architectural projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

For those interested in delving deeper into the various aspects of Haven Horizon, including architectural designs and innovative ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This provides an opportunity to better understand the intricate details that define the project and its potential impact on the community.

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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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