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Sustainable Dwellings Built from Earth Materials with Integrated Greywater Systems

Authors:
Saman Saffarian, Adam Unger, Thomas Samuel Blight, Tereza UngerovÁ
Sustainable Dwellings Built from Earth Materials with Integrated Greywater Systems

Project in-detail

Utilizing earth materials and advanced greywater systems, the design creates a series of sustainable homes that integrate with the arid landscape while fostering a strong sense of community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes innovative greywater recycling systems for sustainable irrigation.
02
Incorporates a modular design allowing for adaptability to diverse plots.
03
Employs earth materials for thermal regulation, reducing energy needs.
04
Features a bent A-frame structure that enhances wind resistance.
05
Integrates local climatic elements in passive cooling strategies.

The project "Vernacular Tectonics" addresses contemporary housing needs within a desert environment. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional architectural practices and modern sustainable requirements while creating a sense of community. The design embodies principles of environmental resilience, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and social interaction.

The layout incorporates modular housing units that connect seamlessly within a community framework. Each dwelling integrates passive solar design and utilizes natural ventilation to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, the design emphasizes the use of local materials and traditional building techniques, helping to ground the project in its regional context.

Innovative Design Approaches

The project stands out due to its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Each dwelling incorporates a greywater recycling system that channels water to communal gardens. This not only enhances ecological resilience but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility among residents. The design promotes the use of high-performance materials such as concrete, mud, and clay, which allow for excellent thermal regulation while contributing aesthetically appealing textures to the facades.

Architectural features like overhanging roofs and strategically placed shading devices minimize solar gain. The varied heights of structures create an engaging skyline while providing shaded areas for outdoor activities. Furthermore, the incorporation of integrated solar photovoltaic systems represents a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy within residential settings.

Community Interaction and Functionality

The layout of "Vernacular Tectonics" prioritizes communal spaces interspersed throughout the neighborhood, encouraging social interaction among residents. Shared areas such as parks and walking paths promote a communal lifestyle, which is particularly important in desert climates where connection to the environment can foster a positive living experience. The proximity of homes to these shared facilities is thoughtfully designed to enhance accessibility, encouraging frequent utilization by residents.

The project exemplifies a cohesive architectural vision that respects the built environment while addressing modern living challenges. It serves as an insightful case study for future developments focused on sustainability and community-based design practices.

To explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind "Vernacular Tectonics," please visit the project presentation for a detailed examination of its innovative features and functional aspects.

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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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