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Elevated Living Through Amphibious Foundations and Fiber-Cement Facades

Authors:
Savita Chunthatikul, Supassara Sonthinane
Elevated Living Through Amphibious Foundations and Fiber-Cement Facades

Project in-detail

Amphibious foundations elevate fiber-cement façades, allowing for resilient living spaces that adapt to the flooding challenges of Khlong San while fostering community integration through open-plan layouts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Amphibious foundations allow homes to adapt to seasonal flooding in Khlong San.
02
Shared communal spaces foster interaction and strengthen community ties.
03
Fiber-cement facades ensure durability in a humid climate while reducing maintenance.
04
Open-plan layouts maximize space efficiency and encourage flexible usage.
05
Integration of green roofs enhances insulation and promotes local biodiversity.

Baan-Pair is an architectural design project located in Khlong San, Bangkok, focusing on community-driven housing solutions in the context of urban revitalization. This project aims to address critical issues of housing affordability and social connectivity, particularly in neighborhoods facing pressures from modernization and urban development. The design encapsulates a thoughtful approach that respects local culture while integrating sustainable architecture practices.

Community-Centric Housing Design

At its core, Baan-Pair represents a vision of communal living that emphasizes the importance of social ties among residents. The project features open-plan layouts facilitating interaction and shared experiences within living spaces. Important architectural elements include versatile communal zones, like shared verandas and multifunctional areas, which promote a sense of belonging. This design approach counters the trend of individualistic living, fostering stronger community relationships.

The project utilizes an array of materials including wood, fiber-cement board, glass, and galvanized steel, selected for both functionality and sustainability. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability as well as environmental responsibility. Structures are elevated to mitigate flooding risks, a crucial consideration given Bangkok's vulnerability to climate-related events.

Innovative Environmental Strategies

Baan-Pair incorporates innovative strategies for environmental management, showcasing a design that is responsive to the unique challenges of its geographical context. Key features include a water management system that effectively addresses runoff during heavy rains, elevating foundations that provide resilience against flooding, and green roof systems that enhance insulation while supporting local biodiversity.

The design also integrates architectural ideas that express cultural identity, such as the incorporation of “Fah-Lai,” which serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. These design features enhance the project's connection to the local environment and cultural heritage, distinguishing it from conventional housing projects that often overlook contextual nuances.

Sustainable Materials and Structural Integrity

The construction of the Baan-Pair project demonstrates a clear focus on sustainability and long-term viability. The use of renewable materials like wood and thoughtful implementation of structural systems such as fiber-cement boards and galvanized steel contribute to the project’s durability. Moreover, the design prioritizes natural ventilation and daylighting through the use of glass elements, creating a comfortable indoor environment while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

This architecture reflects a cohesive strategy that not only meets the immediate housing needs of residents but also involves them in the living process through shared spaces and flexible usage. The commitment to addressing social, environmental, and architectural concerns positions Baan-Pair as an influential model for future housing developments.

For further insight into the project’s architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, interested readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of Baan-Pair. Engaging with the project’s specifics will provide a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approaches to community-focused housing design in an urban context.

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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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