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Natural Stone Facades and Palm Wood Elements Foster Sustainable Living in Desert Community

Author:
Ismail Utkan Yonter
Natural Stone Facades and Palm Wood Elements Foster Sustainable Living in Desert Community

Project in-detail

Natural stone facades and palm wood accents define a residential community designed for sustainable living in the arid landscape of Riyadh.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facades enhance thermal performance while blending seamlessly with the desert landscape.
02
Palm wood features throughout the interiors, promoting a connection to local materials and craftsmanship.
03
Interconnected villa clusters prioritize community interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
04
The design incorporates courtyards that utilize natural ventilation for improved indoor air quality.
05
Sustainable construction methods minimize environmental impact and utilize regional resources effectively.

General Description

The Arabian Mirage architectural project is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves as a residential community designed to integrate modern living with traditional Arab architectural elements. The project consists of interconnected villa clusters, purposefully crafted to foster community engagement while ensuring privacy for residents. The architectural design prioritizes sustainability and harmonization with the surrounding desert landscape, providing an inviting environment reflective of local cultural nuances.

Materiality and Structure

The project utilizes local materials such as stone and palm wood, which not only support structural integrity but also enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote thermal efficiency. The villas are designed with expansive glass surfaces to optimize natural light and provide seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interplay of materials creates a cohesive visual identity that aligns with the regional architecture.

Key elements include the incorporation of clustered courtyards and narrow streets that encourage social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. Each villa type features distinct layouts addressing specific family needs while adhering to the overarching design philosophy. Such adaptability is crucial for accommodating various living configurations, making the project versatile.

Unique Design Approaches

The Arabian Mirage distinguishes itself with its innovative approach to indoor-outdoor living. The architectural layout blurs the boundaries between enclosed interiors and open courtyards, designed to facilitate an outdoor lifestyle appropriate for the climate. The use of traditional elements, such as stylized arches and soft curves, resonates with historical architectural practices while embracing contemporary functionality.

Moreover, the strategic orientation of the buildings minimizes heat gain, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This consideration reflects a commitment to sustainable architectural practices, vital in desert environments. The project seamlessly combines cultural heritage with modern design solutions, ensuring that it is relevant to contemporary living standards while remaining rooted in local context.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs can provide deeper insights into the project. Reviewing these aspects will uncover the thoughtful architectural ideas that shape The Arabian Mirage and its unique contributions to residential design in the region.

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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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