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Modular Living Spaces Enhanced by 3D Printed Concrete and Recycled Materials

Author:
Marvin Bratke
Modular Living Spaces Enhanced by 3D Printed Concrete and Recycled Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted from modular components and 3D printed concrete, this design integrates adaptable living spaces with recycled materials to create an accessible community housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printing technology for efficient and precise construction.
02
Employs modular design to allow for customizable living configurations.
03
Integrates recycled materials to enhance sustainability and reduce waste.
04
Features communal gardens designed to promote resident interaction.
05
Incorporates smart home technology for energy management and efficiency.

Located in Austin, Texas, the "Collective Parts" architectural project exemplifies a pragmatic approach to contemporary housing needs. This design project aims to address the increasing demand for affordable and customizable housing. Utilizing modular construction techniques, the architecture incorporates advanced 3D printing technology that allows for efficient production and scalable design solutions. The ultimate goal is to create a versatile living environment that fosters community engagement while being economically viable and ecologically sustainable.

Modular and Customizable Living Spaces The architectural strategy behind "Collective Parts" dramatically shifts traditional views on housing design. Each unit is a part of a collective whole, allowing for various configurations that cater to diverse household sizes and needs. The flexibility of the design is a distinguishing feature, as residents can reconfigure spaces to suit different life stages, from young professionals to families and retirees. This adaptability also extends to communal areas, which are thoughtfully integrated to encourage interaction among residents.

The incorporation of a "Kit of Parts" concept is a significant element of this project. This concept enables a modular approach where standardized components can be assembled in various arrangements. In doing so, the architecture supports a personalized living experience that can evolve over time, meeting the changing demands of its occupants.

Sustainability and Materiality Material choice is critical in this project, with an emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. The primary materials include concrete, used in the 3D printing process for its durability; wood, selected for interior finishes to enhance aesthetic warmth; and glass for window elements, maximizing natural light and thermal performance. Recycled materials are incorporated wherever feasible to minimize ecological impact. Each material has been carefully evaluated to align with the overarching goal of reducing carbon footprints while maintaining functional integrity.

The design employs high-performance insulation systems, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Moreover, smart home technology features are integrated to facilitate resource management, empowering residents to monitor and optimize their energy usage. This combination of innovation in material selection and design principles illustrates a commitment to sustainability and modern living.

Community and Social Engagement "Collective Parts" transcends simple housing by fostering a sense of community. The architectural layout includes communal gardens and gathering spaces designed to promote interaction among residents. These shared areas are vital for enhancing the social fabric of the development and encouraging a collaborative environment. The project’s design emphasizes collective living, where shared resources and communal areas mitigate the isolation often seen in modern urban developments.

The participatory design process is another noteworthy aspect, allowing community input to shape the architectural plans early on. This engagement ensures that the resulting design resonates with the needs and desires of future occupants, further anchoring the project in its local context.

For more detailed insights into this architectural project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are invited to delve deeper into the aspects that shape "Collective Parts." Exploring the project's unique architectural ideas can provide a more comprehensive understanding of its innovative framework and functionality.

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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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