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Passive House with Bio Block Masonry and Efficient Thermal Performance

Author:
Xiaowei Bai
Passive House with Bio Block Masonry and Efficient Thermal Performance

Project in-detail

Crafted with bio block masonry and equipped with a central multifunctional core, this passive house exemplifies efficient living by integrating sustainable materials and advanced thermal performance for urban or vacation settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from bio block masonry, the design minimizes carbon footprint while enhancing thermal mass.
02
The central multifunctional core optimizes space, combining kitchen and bathroom facilities for efficient living.
03
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure ample natural light and cross-ventilation throughout the interior.
04
Insulated membrane-lined gutters are integrated into the design to promote effective water management.
05
Foldable furniture elements provide adaptability, maximizing utility in the compact living space.

The Core Prototype House is an architectural design project focused on sustainable living through compact, efficient space use. Envisioned as a passive house, it is designed for varied geographical settings, including urban backyards and remote retreats. The project incorporates contemporary design principles and environmental considerations, striving to balance aesthetics and functionality.

The architectural footprint measures 25 square meters, structured around a central multifunctional core. This core integrates essential amenities such as kitchen and bathroom facilities, creating connections between four distinct functional areas: sleeping, working, cooking, and leisure. The layout promotes fluid movement and enhances users' everyday activities, addressing the spatial constraints typically associated with small dwellings.

Sustainable Design Approaches

What distinguishes this project from typical designs is its emphasis on adaptive living environments through innovative spatial planning and material selection. The house's design maximizes natural light and ventilation via strategically placed double-glazed windows. The use of a hipped roof facilitates air circulation, further enhancing indoor comfort. Additionally, the deployment of foldable furniture allows for flexible use of space, sparking multifunctional engagement within a limited footprint.

Material choices play a vital role in the sustainability focus of the project. Walls consisting of Kingspan Quadcore LEC insulated panels provide structural stability and thermal efficiency, while bio block masonry units contribute to lower carbon footprints. The selection of durable materials such as plywood for interior paneling along with insulated membrane-lined gutters for efficient drainage exemplifies thoughtful resource management.

Performance and Functionality

The Core Prototype House integrates passive energy strategies, addressing both heating and cooling needs through architectural design. The building’s airtight envelope minimizes thermal bridging, ensuring energy efficiency. Rainwater collection systems allow for resource management, showcasing the project’s commitment to ecological conservation. Insulated plumbing further enhances sustainability practices, enabling a holistic approach to modern living.

In summary, The Core presents a compact solution that responds to contemporary urban living challenges while adhering to sustainable principles. For a closer look at the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative architectural ideas and functional design.

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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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