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Sustainable Living Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Community Gardens in an Urban Environment

Authors:
Tika Laras Kusuma , Wakushi Shiba, Takeru Nakamura
Sustainable Living Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Community Gardens in an Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber and semi-public gardens, the design offers a sustainable multi-generational living solution that promotes community engagement while respecting individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
03
Features multi-family units designed for intergenerational living.
04
Integrates semi-public gardens to enhance community interaction.
05
Constructed with locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.

WovenHouse is an architectural project located in Dubai, designed to create a harmonious environment that balances communal living with individual privacy, catering to multi-generational families. The design emphasizes sustainability, cultural relevance, and adaptability to the local climate while integrating natural elements into the living environment.

The project represents a solution to contemporary urban living challenges, addressing the need for social interaction within culturally significant frameworks. Each residential unit is carefully configured to promote privacy while facilitating community engagement through shared spaces. The architecture reflects traditional motifs while employing innovative building techniques and materials, creating a living landscape that meets current and future needs.

Innovative Community-Centric Design WovenHouse stands out for its thoughtful approach to community integration. The layout features a central community garden that serves as a hub for social interactions. Surrounding private living spaces are designed to reduce noise and visual intrusion, fostering a sense of individual privacy. This arrangement acknowledges the significance of family ties in the region while encouraging neighborly connections through shared outdoor amenities.

Another unique feature is the incorporation of natural ventilation through the use of wind towers. These architectural elements enhance air circulation within the homes, significantly reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems prevalent in the region. This design choice aligns with sustainable practices, effectively addressing Dubai's hot climate while contributing to lower energy consumption.

Sustainable Materiality and Architectural Elements The choice of materials in WovenHouse prioritizes sustainability and environmental impact. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) are used for structural elements, providing strength, durability, and acoustic insulation, while reinforced concrete blocks offer robustness to withstand local weather conditions. The roofing and shading elements utilize a combination of vinyl tent structures and fishing net materials, creating a balance between lightness and functionality.

Additionally, the landscape is integrated with water collection systems that utilize rainwater harvesting techniques. These systems not only support the gardens but also highlight the importance of water conservation in arid climates. The overall design employs a pragmatic approach to resource management, making it an exemplary model for environmentally conscious architecture in urban settings.

For those interested in exploring WovenHouse further, it is encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and design elements that detail the project's innovative features and thoughtful architectural ideas. Such insights provide a comprehensive understanding of how WovenHouse addresses contemporary living challenges while embracing cultural and environmental aspects inherent to its location.

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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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