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Sustainable Community Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Author:
Louis Dams
Sustainable Community Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the cabins create a harmonious blend of modern design and ecological sensitivity, offering transient lodging wrapped in a carefully curated landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Surrounding landscape promotes native plant growth to enhance local ecology.
05
Cabins are designed with communal spaces to encourage social interaction among guests.

General Description

The architectural project, "The Crescent," is designed to serve the needs of contemporary travelers seeking temporary accommodation in harmony with nature. The design emphasizes the integration of cabins within a natural context, fostering an environment that promotes both sustainability and community. The layout features a series of interconnected cabins organized in a crescent formation, creating functional living spaces that are both private and communal. Each cabin is equipped with essential amenities, facilitating a comfortable stay while encouraging interaction with nature.

The architectural approach prioritizes ecological considerations by incorporating landscape architecture and native planting strategies. This enhances the natural setting, replacing invasive species and promoting biodiversity. As a result, the project not only provides shelter but also actively contributes to the surrounding environment.

Unique Design Approaches

A defining characteristic of "The Crescent" is its original use of geometry and material selection. The crescent shape of the cabins creates an open, inviting atmosphere, allowing for efficient use of space and natural light. The geometry follows principles such as the Golden Ratio, which enhances the aesthetic quality of the structures. The design also includes large glass windows, ensuring a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This emphasis on transparency fosters an immersive experience with the natural surroundings.

The materials used in the construction include timber for the structure, which provides warmth and sustainability, alongside solar panels that support renewable energy use. This combination not only aligns with modern architectural trends but also reinforces the project's commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint. The incorporation of additional features such as storage cabins, saunas, and a Turkish bath adds versatility, allowing the project to cater to a range of activities and lifestyles.

Functional and Aesthetic Integration

The architectural design of "The Crescent" demonstrates a thoughtful integration of functional and aesthetic elements. The layout is finely detailed to include areas for communal interaction, coupled with private living quarters. This balance between privacy and community is critical for enhancing the overall experience of users. The landscape surrounding the cabins is carefully curated, ensuring that it complements the built environment while promoting ecological health.

Moreover, the project highlights a commitment to practical living solutions that respect the natural environment. By utilizing local materials and encouraging the growth of native flora, "The Crescent" emphasizes a philosophy of sustainability that resonates throughout its design.

For further details on the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped "The Crescent," explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into its features and overall vision.

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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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