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Light-Filtered Spaces Enhanced by Natural Stone and Warm Timber Elements

Authors:
Shin Dongseok, Jeong Hanho, Byounghoon Jeong
Light-Filtered Spaces Enhanced by Natural Stone and Warm Timber Elements

Project in-detail

With light shelves and a central courtyard utilizing natural stone and wood, the residence harmonizes indoor and outdoor environments, emphasizing ecological sustainability while providing functional living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone and wood elements are integrated to enhance thermal performance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Light shelves are designed for optimal light diffusion throughout the living spaces.
03
A central courtyard features a water element, promoting ecological biodiversity.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Skylights are strategically placed to maximize natural light and ventilation within the residence.

The architectural design project titled "Margin - Light, Shadow & Space" exemplifies a thoughtful integration of natural elements and a distinctive philosophical exploration of light and shadow within a residential context. The project serves as a residence that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing inhabitants to engage with nature while enjoying functional living spaces. It effectively combines aesthetic considerations with ecological principles, creating a sustainable living experience.

The design prioritizes a central courtyard, which acts as a focal point for the residence. This courtyard features a water body and natural vegetation, enhancing the wellbeing of residents and providing a serene environment. Surrounding this central space are various functional rooms, including a living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms, all oriented to maximize views and ensure accessibility to natural light. The materials selected for the project – concrete, natural stone, wood, glass, soil, and vegetation – contribute to a cohesive aesthetic that promotes a sense of warmth and intimacy within the living spaces.

The project stands out due to its unique handling of natural light through innovative architectural strategies. Skylights and light shelves are integrated into the design, allowing for the diffusion of natural light throughout the interior spaces. This approach helps to minimize reliance on artificial lighting while enhancing the overall ambiance. The careful orientation of windows and openings creates dynamic light patterns that shift throughout the day, effectively merging the indoors with the outdoors. This focus on light not only defines the spatial experience but also reinforces the philosophical themes inherent in the project, connecting the built environment with elements of nature.

Another aspect that distinguishes "Margin" is its emphasis on ecological sustainability. The integration of gardens and water features not only serves aesthetic purposes but also supports biodiversity and ecological functions. By utilizing local plant species and integrating passive water management systems, the project reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. This fusion of functional design with ecological awareness positions the "Margin" project as a contemporary example of residential architecture that respects and enhances its setting.

For those interested in delving deeper into the specifics of this architectural endeavor, further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas would provide valuable insights into the innovative approaches applied in this project.

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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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