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Gabion Walls and Amber Elements Create Sustainable Coastal Retreat

Author:
Christopher Loper
Gabion Walls and Amber Elements Create Sustainable Coastal Retreat

Project in-detail

Integrating gabion walls with locally sourced amber, this coastal retreat offers sustainable shelter for trekkers while harmonizing with its natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabion walls incorporate locally sourced amber stones for a distinctive structural aesthetic.
02
The pavilion utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced durability and environmental efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance while blending with the coastal landscape.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes stability and allows for flexible interior space usage.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated to support sustainability and reduce resource dependency.

The Amber Pavilion is an architectural project situated along the Latvian coastline, designed to provide essential amenities for trekkers exploring the region. This structure emphasizes sustainability and environmental compatibility, drawing from local materials and traditional building techniques. The project functions primarily as a shelter, accommodating basic needs such as sleeping, showering, and communal gathering.

The design of the Amber Pavilion integrates into the coastal landscape, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Key components include a versatile floor plan that encourages adaptability for various activities, including sleeping quarters, a shower facility, and a communal fireplace area. Its layout is oriented to maximize natural light and ventilation, utilizing passive design strategies.

Utilization of Local Materials and Sustainable Practices

The architectural design relies heavily on locally sourced materials, specifically vernacular wood and amber stones. The wood serves as the primary structural element, ensuring durability while maintaining a connection to the region's cultural identity. The amber stones create gabion walls that provide both structural stability and aesthetic value, seamlessly blending the building with its surroundings.

An innovative aspect of the Amber Pavilion is its focus on renewable energy. The installation of solar panels contributes to the pavilion's energy independence, generating sufficient power for operational needs. Additionally, the inclusion of a rainwater collection system enhances sustainability by providing a reliable water source, reducing reliance on external systems.

Flexible Design for Enhanced User Experience

The architectural design features dynamic openings and adjustable screens, allowing users to modulate exposure to the elements. This adaptability is crucial for enhancing comfort and usability, allowing the structure to respond to varying weather conditions. The semi-open design fosters interaction with the natural environment, encouraging occupants to engage with the landscape while ensuring a sense of security and privacy.

The pavilion's unique attributes lie in its commitment to local craftsmanship and ecological responsibility. The fusion of traditional building methods with modern sustainable technologies results in a structure that is not only functional but is also a testament to regional identity. By focusing on materiality, energy efficiency, and design flexibility, the Amber Pavilion serves as a model for future architectural projects aiming to harmonize with their environmental contexts.

For those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the Amber Pavilion, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insights into the innovative features and thoughtful approaches that define this project. The detailed architectural ideas presented in the project showcase the intentionality behind each design choice, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and regional authenticity.

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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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