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Lightwell Integration and Textured Concrete In A Jerusalem Residence

Author:
思言 邓
Lightwell Integration and Textured Concrete In A Jerusalem Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing carefully designed light wells and textured concrete, the residence in Jerusalem establishes a harmonious link between its spiritual environment and intimate living spaces, serving as a contemplative home for a religious couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence incorporates triangular openings that optimize natural light and enhance views.
02
Using textured concrete, the façade establishes a unique tactile experience.
03
A carefully integrated water feature complements the landscape and symbolizes purification.
04
Strategic landscaping with native flora is designed for low maintenance and environmental harmony.
05
The design prioritizes communal space while fostering private areas for contemplation.

The project "Per Aspera ad Astra — The Home of Shadows" is a residential design situated in Jerusalem. This architectural endeavor serves as a home for a religious couple, incorporating elements that reflect the spiritual and cultural context of the area. The design focuses on creating a harmonious connection between the inhabitants and their surroundings, facilitating both personal reflection and community engagement. The interplay of space, light, and materiality invites a unique experience within the home, promoting a sense of tranquility and contemplation.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The layout of the project is thoughtfully arranged to balance shared and private spaces. Central to the design is the living room, which acts as a focal point for communal gatherings. Adjacent to this space are the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, allowing for easy movement while maintaining an element of privacy. The triangular floor plan optimizes the site's topographical advantages, providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the distant Vatican. The integration of both indoor and outdoor elements is evident in the pool and surrounding garden, which create spaces for leisure and reflection, further enhancing the home's multifaceted purpose.

Design Strategies and Unique Characteristics

A distinctive feature of this project is its deliberate use of light and shadow to foster spiritual introspection. The design employs strategically placed openings and carefully designed light wells that cast dynamic patterns throughout the interior spaces. This intentional manipulation enhances the experience of light, making the atmosphere feel both inviting and contemplative. The residential design reflects on local cultural narratives, relevant to the historical and geographical significance of Jerusalem, prioritizing a connection to the natural environment through landscaped areas filled with native flora and a well-integrated water feature.

Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration

The architectural palette consists of concrete, natural stone, glass, and wood, each material selected for its functional and aesthetic properties. Textured concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability while reflecting light in varied ways. Large glass windows maximize natural light entry, bridging the interior with exterior views. Natural stone elements provide warmth and tactile comfort, while wood is used for doors and other furnishings to enhance the feel of homeliness. The earthy color scheme aligns the project with its arid landscape, promoting a sense of belonging within the local context.

For a more in-depth exploration of the project's architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to review the full presentation. Insights into the architectural ideas and structural innovations will provide further understanding of how this design integrates spiritual, cultural, and environmental elements within its framework.

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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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