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Thatch Roofing and Straw Insulation in Elevated Community Cabins

Authors:
Alina Kalacharova, Polina Belets, Arsen Gabrielyan, Ekaterina Tretyakova
Thatch Roofing and Straw Insulation in Elevated Community Cabins

Project in-detail

Utilizing thatch roofing and straw insulation, the elevated cabins create a sustainable communal living environment that fosters interaction while minimizing environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional thatch roofing for thermal efficiency and natural aesthetics.
02
Elevated on stilts to preserve natural drainage and minimize land disturbance.
03
Incorporates straw insulation, enhancing sustainability and reducing energy consumption.
04
Features flexible outdoor spaces that adapt to seasonal changes for community use.
05
Employs recycled aluminum for structural elements, promoting resource conservation.

The architectural project THATCH integrates sustainable design with a focus on communal living, emphasizing a connection to the natural environment. Set in a serene landscape, the project features various cabins that serve dual purposes, merging private and public functions. The design employs traditional materials and contemporary techniques to create spaces that are both functional and invite social interaction.

Community and Functionality At the core of THATCH is the concept of gathering. The project's layout incorporates multiple communal areas alongside private cabins, facilitating interaction among occupants. Each cabin is designed for adaptability, serving functions such as dining and leisure, while outdoor spaces like vegetable gardens and BBQ areas encourage outdoor activities. The design prioritizes communal engagement, offering amenities that are accessible to all residents and visitors.

Unique Design Elements One of the most distinguishing features of THATCH is the traditional thatch roofing, which enhances insulation and connects the structures to historical building practices. The cabins, elevated on stilts, reduce the impact on the surrounding landscape, allowing rainwater to flow naturally, thus promoting environmental harmony. The use of sustainable materials, such as straw for insulation, oriented strand board for structural elements, and recycled aluminum, reflects a commitment to ecological construction and minimizes the project's carbon footprint.

Integration of Sustainable Technologies In addition to its thoughtful material selection, THATCH incorporates modern renewable technologies for energy efficiency. The buildings are equipped with systems that optimize heating and lighting, ensuring alignment with contemporary energy standards. Moreover, flexible outdoor structures can adapt to seasonal changes, reinforcing the design's responsiveness to its environment.

For a more in-depth understanding of THATCH, including architectural plans, sections, and design specifics, explore the project presentation to gain further insights into its structure and philosophy. By examining the architectural details, one can appreciate the thoughtful design approaches that define this project.

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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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