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Geothermal Home Featuring Recycled Concrete and Living Walls Along the Waterfront

Author:
Christopher John Stevens
Geothermal Home Featuring Recycled Concrete and Living Walls Along the Waterfront

Project in-detail

Incorporating living walls and geothermal systems, this residence utilizes recycled concrete and treated wood to create a sustainable living space that enhances community connection along the waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates hydroponic systems for resident food production.
02
Utilizes recycled concrete for both structural and aesthetic purposes.
03
Incorporates photovoltaic panels designed to float on adjacent water.
04
Features large triple-glazed windows for enhanced thermal performance.
05
Offers direct access to public waterfront park, promoting community interaction.

The Seawall House is an architectural project located along the southern shoreline of Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, Canada. It addresses the urban challenges of the area by providing a residential solution that harmonizes private living with public engagement. The design emphasizes sustainability, adaptability, and community connection, serving as a model for modern residential architecture.

The primary function of the Seawall House is to offer a comfortable living space that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. It is strategically positioned to enhance views of the waterfront and promote accessibility to nearby parks and recreational areas. The architecture creates a dialogue between the indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging residents to engage with the landscape while minimizing their ecological footprint.

The architectural design features several key components that contribute to its overall functionality and aesthetic. Recycled concrete forms the foundation and seawall, supporting durability and environmental consciousness. The use of preservative-treated wood in the structure enhances its resilience and aligns with sustainable building practices. Large triple-glazed windows ensure maximum natural light while providing thermal insulation, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.

Unique aspects of the Seawall House include its integration with public spaces and innovative use of technology. The project connects directly to Seawall Park, facilitating community interaction and emphasizing the importance of green spaces in urban settings. Smart home technologies incorporated into the design allow for automation and energy management, making the living experience highly adaptable to the needs of the residents.

The project also incorporates a range of sustainable features, including a geothermal ground-source heat pump system for efficient climate control, and floating photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation. The introduction of vertical hydroponic systems enables residents to grow food, promoting self-sustainability.

Overall, the Seawall House exemplifies modern architectural ideas prioritizing sustainability and community integration. Its blend of durable materials, smart technologies, and public accessibility sets a precedent for future projects in high-density urban environments.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, and innovative design elements, please explore the complete project presentation.

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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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