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Earth Walls and Palm Timber Create a Sustainable Sanctuary with Integrated Courtyards

Authors:
Mohammed Achour, Omar Achour, Hafsa Harti, Kenza Qninba
Earth Walls and Palm Timber Create a Sustainable Sanctuary with Integrated Courtyards

Project in-detail

Utilizing earth walls and palm timber, this residence integrates multiple courtyards to enhance natural ventilation and privacy, providing a comfortable living environment suited for family use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes earth walls for thermal mass and insulation.
02
Incorporates palm timber, highlighting local craftsmanship.
03
Features multiple courtyards for enhanced privacy and ventilation.
04
Includes solar panels integrated into the roof structure.
05
Utilizes lime mortar for durability and environmental sustainability.

The Earth Veil House is a residential architecture project situated in a region characterized by its unique climatic challenges and cultural context. This design emphasizes a balance between privacy and openness, creating an effective living environment that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The project is structured around a central courtyard, enabling a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, while ensuring that the home remains comfortable and energy efficient.

The Earth Veil House features a multi-level layout that supports both public and private areas. The ground floor consists of communal spaces, allowing family interaction while ensuring distinct zones for service and leisure. The first floor accommodates private bedrooms designed to provide tranquility and retreat. Additionally, a basement level fulfills functional requirements, housing utility spaces such as parking.

One of the project’s distinctive features is its integration of nature through multiple courtyards, which serve as green lungs for the building. These outdoor spaces enhance privacy while contributing to improved air quality and natural light penetration. The use of earth, palm wood, and lime mortar highlights a commitment to locally sourced materials, promoting sustainability and fostering a connection to the region’s tradition of craftsmanship.

Sustainability is a core principle of the Earth Veil House, implemented through passive design strategies and environmentally conscious materials. The project leverages solar panels for energy needs and wind catchers to maximize natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This holistic approach not only addresses energy efficiency but also promotes a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.

The Earth Veil House exemplifies a thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes functionality while addressing environmental and cultural aspects. Its unique approach to the use of space, material selection, and sustainable solutions offers a model for modern residential architecture in similar contexts. Readers interested in further examining the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas should explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its dimensions and innovative concepts.

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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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