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Sustainable Retreat Featuring Recycled Steel and Biodegradable Cork in a Harmonious Landscape Setting

Authors:
Dejaune Jennings, Maria Malan, Flavio Coetzee, Andrea van der Walt
Sustainable Retreat Featuring Recycled Steel and Biodegradable Cork in a Harmonious Landscape Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled steel and biodegradable cork, the retreat seamlessly integrates sustainable materials into its design while providing a tranquil space for wellness and connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from recycled steel, enhancing sustainability.
02
Utilizes biodegradable cork as an effective cladding material.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for optimal aesthetic and functional benefits.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide an environmentally friendly finish and durability.

The project titled "What Comes from the Earth Returns to the Earth" is an architectural retreat located in Vale de Moses, designed to embrace sustainable living and a deep connection with the natural environment. This design highlights the thoughtful integration of natural materials and geometric forms that evoke the surrounding landscape. The architecture aims to provide a holistic living experience that fosters introspection and harmony between inhabitants and nature.

The primary function of this architectural design is to serve as a retreat that encourages relaxation and purposeful engagement with the environment. Spaces are strategically planned to facilitate ease of movement and promote a sense of tranquility. The project features multiple interconnected volumes, each tailored for specific activities such as preparation, transition, and liberation, reflecting an experiential design ethos focused on the user’s journey through the space.

Sustainable Material Selection and Construction Methods

A defining feature of this project is its meticulous choice of materials that align with ecological sustainability principles. The construction employs concrete for durability and structural integrity, complemented by timber to offer warmth and tactile engagement. Cork serves as an environmentally sound cladding option, providing insulation while remaining biodegradable. Recycled steel is incorporated in structural components, demonstrating a commitment to the responsible use of resources. Glass is utilized for windows and openings, allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces while fostering visual connections to the exterior landscape.

The geometric volume arrangement reflects the surrounding topography, creating a dialogue between the architecture and its setting. The vertical orientation of structures enhances the views and allows for natural ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency. Transitions between spaces are designed to encourage exploration and interaction with the site, reinforcing the relationship between architecture and the environment.

Innovative Space Planning and Design Element Interaction

The project employs innovative space planning strategies that cater to experiential living. The preparation area serves as an inviting entry point to the retreat, setting a welcoming tone. The transition spaces are strategically positioned to guide inhabitants through various experiences, enhancing anticipation before entering more intimate areas, which culminate in the liberation spaces that open to expansive views.

Architectural details such as strategic window placement optimize natural light and airflow, while the careful interplay of materials creates a sensory experience. The combination of concrete, timber, and cork results in spaces that are both functional and aesthetically cohesive. This thoughtful approach to design not only fulfills the architectural requirements but also promotes environmental stewardship.

For a thorough understanding of the architectural vision, details such as architectural plans, sections, and designs are essential. Exploring these elements will offer deeper insights into the innovative ideas underlying this project and its commitment to sustainability and nature.

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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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