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Folding Geometry With Charred Wood Cladding and Expansive Glass for Sustainable Living Spaces

Author:
Daniela Chousal vargas
Folding Geometry With Charred Wood Cladding and Expansive Glass for Sustainable Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wood cladding and folded geometry create a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting versatile living configurations in a sustainable, modern cabin setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction time while enhancing structural stability.
03
Bent A-frame design maximizes interior volume and optimizes natural light.
04
Large, strategically placed windows connect interior spaces to surrounding landscapes.
05
Modular units allow for flexible configurations to accommodate diverse uses.

The Folding Cabins project exemplifies contemporary architectural design focusing on harmony with the natural environment while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal. This project incorporates innovative design elements that foster engagement with the landscape, encouraging a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor experiences. The cabins serve as a series of flexible living spaces that can accommodate various user needs, reflecting a modern approach to residential architecture.

Unique Design Elements and Approaches

The project’s core concept revolves around the idea of “folding,” which informs the geometry of the structures. The cabins utilize folded planes that create a dynamic visual profile while ensuring structural integrity. This design approach allows the cabins to handle environmental challenges, such as rain and snow, by promoting efficient water runoff. The rooflines are engineered for both aesthetic value and practical performance, combining form and function effectively.

Material selection plays a significant role in the project’s success. The use of local wood for walls and floors not only enhances the natural appearance but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. Steel elements are employed for structural support, fostering durability and longevity. Large glass windows facilitate natural light intake and strengthen the connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. Concrete is used at entry points, offering robustness and an organized transition into the cabins.

Spatial configuration is another critical aspect of the design. The layout promotes open floor plans that maximize light and ventilation, while designated terraces extend usable space and encourage outdoor activities. The arrangement of cabins fosters a sense of community, integrating pathways and shared areas that enhance social interaction among users.

Sustainability is a priority throughout the design process. By utilizing passive design principles, such as maximizing daylight and natural ventilation, the cabins achieve energy efficiency and minimize reliance on mechanical systems. This commitment to environmental considerations aligns the project with contemporary architectural practices focused on sustainability.

Functional Versatility and User Experience

The Folding Cabins are designed for versatility. The interiors can be easily reconfigured to suit various activities, whether for family gatherings or individual retreats. This adaptability in usage enhances the lifespan and functionality of the cabins, allowing them to respond to the changing needs of their occupants over time.

Attention to detail in both exterior and interior elements reinforces the cohesive design approach. Throughout the project, there is a consistent dialogue between materials and forms, ensuring that each component complements the whole. The careful placement of large windows provides framed views of the landscape, reinforcing the concept of living in synergy with the environment, and enhancing the overall user experience.

For a more in-depth exploration of the Folding Cabins project, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to investigate the various architectural designs and ideas that inform this innovative project. Understanding these elements will provide further insight into the design philosophy and functional outcomes that make this project noteworthy.

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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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