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Reflective Glass Facade and Softwood Structure Create an Interactive Reading Space by the Lake

Authors:
Miriam Lohr, Diana Frank
Reflective Glass Facade and Softwood Structure Create an Interactive Reading Space by the Lake

Project in-detail

Suspended books and a cubic softwood structure blend seamlessly with a reflective glass façade to create a unique lakeside reading space that fosters community interaction and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cubic form integrates seamlessly with the lakeside environment.
02
Partially mirrored glass reflects the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual dynamics.
03
Suspended bookshelves allow for flexible, interactive displays of various-sized books.
04
Reading cave provides a cozy, intimate nook within the open design.
05
Constructed using untreated regional softwood for sustainability and local relevance.

"The Cube Verse" is an architectural design project located at Happinger See in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany. This structure functions as a public reading space designed to provide an engaging environment for literature and community interaction. The project incorporates elements such as the lakeside setting, natural light, and innovative material use, aimed at enhancing the reading experience for visitors.

The architecture features a cubic form with an open side, merging the internal and external environments while creating a sense of connection with nature. The façade utilizes partially mirrored and transparent materials, allowing reflections of the surrounding landscape and creating a dynamic interplay of light throughout the day. This design choice serves to invite visitors into the space while blurring the boundaries between the built structure and natural surroundings.

Innovative Design Elements

One of the unique aspects of "The Cube Verse" is the integration of its spatial configuration, which enhances user engagement. The design encompasses distinct areas, including a reading cave that offers a comfortable nook for readers, and modular bookshelf structures that allow for flexible and organized storage of diverse reading materials. Each bookshelf incorporates three-layer panels, ensuring durability and accessibility while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

The project's "Book Jungle" feature employs lightweight materials suspended by steel cables, enabling books of various sizes to be displayed in an interactive manner. This design encourages spontaneous exploration and interaction with literature, setting it apart from traditional library configurations. The entire layout is intentionally oriented to guide visitors from the dock into the reading space, emphasizing a journey that fosters a deeper connection with the act of reading.

Functional and Material Considerations

Material selection plays a critical role in the design of "The Cube Verse." The primary structural components are constructed from untreated regional softwood for sustainability and aesthetic coherence with the surrounding environment. The use of externally mirrored and tinted glass elevates the experience of the interior space by optimizing natural light and creating reflections that enhance the visual atmosphere.

The dock leading to the building is built with untreated softwood and anchored by steel pipes, providing a stable foundation. These materials not only contribute to the structural integrity of the project but also promote a sense of coherence with the natural landscape. By prioritizing sustainability in its material choices, the project underscores a commitment to ecological consciousness.

To explore further details about "The Cube Verse," including architectural plans, sections, and design features, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation for a comprehensive view of its architectural ideas 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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