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Micro-Cement Facades and Green Roofs in a Modern Desert Residence

Author:
Ana Javakhishvili
Micro-Cement Facades and Green Roofs in a Modern Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating micro-cement facades and green roofs, the residence is designed to seamlessly integrate with the desert environment while providing sustainable living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates micro-cement facades that mimic desert textures.
02
Features expansive glass walls for enhanced natural light and ventilation.
03
Designed with a green roof to promote biodiversity and thermal regulation.
04
Includes flexible spaces that adapt to various functions and gatherings.
05
Utilizes reflective composite panels to minimize heat absorption.

The architectural design project focuses on creating a modern residence that harmonizes with the harsh environment of the desert. By integrating sustainable practices into its layout and material selection, this project exemplifies an innovative response to the challenges of desert living. The design emphasizes a strong connection with nature while offering comfortable living spaces that respond to the unique climate.

Spatially, the project is organized over two levels with an emphasis on fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. The ground floor includes an entry hall, living room, kitchen, and parking area, designed with large sliding glass doors to enhance natural light and ventilation. The upper level is reserved for private living spaces, featuring bedrooms that open onto expansive terraces, optimizing views and outdoor accessibility. This arrangement promotes a seamless flow throughout the residence while prioritizing both privacy and communal areas.

Unique Design Approaches

The project incorporates several design strategies that set it apart from conventional residential designs. The use of micro-cement on surfaces captures the essence of the desert landscape, creating a tactile connection to the surroundings. Additionally, stained glass windows introduce dynamic light effects inside the home, fostering an atmosphere that changes with the time of day. The reflective surface composite panels used on the facade serve both aesthetic and practical functions by reflecting intense sunlight and reducing heat gain.

Green roofs are another distinctive element of the design, contributing to biodiversity as well as managing water retention and insulation. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the residence but also promotes environmental responsibility. The overall layout incorporates flexible spaces that allow for various uses, facilitating adaptability in living arrangements.

Functional Components of the Design

Functionality remains central to this architectural project. The open-plan layout supports social interaction while providing areas for individual retreats. The arrangement of windows and terraces maximizes airflow and sunlight, significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling. Each space in the home is designed to adapt to both daily activities and special gatherings, supporting a modern lifestyle while ensuring comfort and efficiency.

The integration of modern technology for environmental control and energy efficiency further enhances the project's function. This commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect, from materials to spatial organization. The result is a residence that not only meets contemporary living standards but also respects its unique desert setting.

Explore further details of this architectural project by reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented. These elements provide deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas underpinning this modern desert home.

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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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