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Seamless Integration of Terrazzo and Timber in Community-Centric Recreation Facilities

Author:
Frank Boehm
Seamless Integration of Terrazzo and Timber in Community-Centric Recreation Facilities

Project in-detail

Utilizing a blend of timber and terrazzo, the design weaves through the existing landscape to create a functional community hub that prioritizes sustainability and user connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a flexible layout that adapts to diverse community activities and events.
04
Integrates extensive glazing to maximize natural light and connection to outdoor spaces.
05
Preserves existing trees within the site to maintain ecological integrity and natural beauty.

The architectural project under review comprises a recreation campus and the Portugal Olive Guest House, situated in a landscape marked by natural beauty and agricultural presence. The design of this project emphasizes a symbiotic relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering engagement with nature while providing versatile recreational facilities.

The architecture of the campus integrates various functional spaces, including pavilions for gatherings, meditation areas, and flexible outdoor zones for activities. These elements are organized around a central spine, which facilitates navigation and interaction throughout the campus. This layout underscores the importance of accessibility and visual continuity, allowing users to easily transition between different spaces and activities.

Client-Centric Design Approach

One notable aspect of the project is its client-centric design philosophy. This approach ensures that every element serves the intended user experience, whether through adaptable seating arrangements in the dining pavilion or through landscaped areas that invite various forms of interaction. This attention to user needs sets the project apart from others that prioritize aesthetics over functionality.

Sustainability and Material Selection

The project incorporates sustainable design practices through thoughtful material selection and integration with the surrounding landscape. Key materials employed include timber for its structural properties and low environmental impact, terrazzo flooring that merges durability with aesthetic appeal, and extensive use of glass to create a connection between interior spaces and the natural world outside. The choice of local flora for landscaping not only enhances the visual environment but also promotes biodiversity and reduces maintenance needs.

The architectural design integrates passive heating and cooling strategies, optimizing energy efficiency. Natural ventilation is a key feature, achieved through cross-ventilation pathways that minimize reliance on mechanical systems. This integration of sustainability extends to the physical layout, where existing trees and plantings are preserved, further blending the built environment with the natural landscape.

This project stands out due to its keen focus on community engagement. By creating spaces that facilitate social interaction while retaining a degree of privacy, it encourages users to connect meaningfully. The versatility in design allows for future adaptability, ensuring that the campus can evolve alongside the community it serves.

For those seeking deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas behind this project, further exploration of the presentation materials is recommended. These resources provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s architectural elements, highlighting the thoughtful decisions that inform its construction 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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