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Translucent Aluminum Panels and Bamboo Beams Forming Modular Living Spaces for Sustainable Communities

Authors:
Juan Antonio Serrano Garcia, Paloma Baquero Masats
Translucent Aluminum Panels and Bamboo Beams Forming Modular Living Spaces for Sustainable Communities

Project in-detail

Composed of flexible bamboo beams and translucent aluminum panels, the design achieves modularity for sustainable living, adapting to diverse community needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes translucent aluminum panels for enhanced natural lighting while maintaining privacy.
02
Constructed with flexible bamboo beams, supporting dynamic spatial configurations.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainable water usage.
04
Designed for modularity, allowing reconfiguration for various functional needs.
05
Employs eco-friendly insulation materials to improve energy efficiency significantly.

"The House That Breathes" is an innovative architectural project specifically designed to address the needs of diverse environments, catering to both rural and urban contexts. This project focuses on creating fully adaptable living spaces that promote sustainability and enhance the quality of life for inhabitants. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature while responding to contemporary housing challenges.

The architecture incorporates flexible spaces capable of transforming based on occupant needs, which is fundamental to its design philosophy. By utilizing a range of sustainable materials, the project actively engages with its environmental context, aiming to foster both community and ecological awareness.

Modular Adaptability One of the defining aspects of this project is its modular design. The house can be configured into multiple layouts, allowing for areas ranging from 12 square meters to 25 square meters depending on the requirements of the residents. This flexibility enables users to modify the living space in response to different situations, such as spatial needs during the day versus at night, or for various activities like work, leisure, and social gatherings.

Material Selection The choice of materials further distinguishes this project. Utilizing translucent aluminum panels allows natural light to permeate the interior while maintaining privacy. Kingspan Timloc® U-line insulation ensures energy efficiency, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. Bamboo wood panels and solid-salted bamboo beams promote sustainability, as these materials are renewable and locally sourced. The integration of recycled materials enhances the project’s ecological commitment, demonstrating a conscientious approach to contemporary architectural design.

Functional Integration The design incorporates multifunctional spaces, catering to the varying needs of its occupants. Areas within the house are architecturally designed to facilitate seamless transitions between work, social interaction, and relaxation. Noteworthy is the mechanized deployment feature that allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, making the structure suitable for temporary or permanent installations.

The project also places significant emphasis on sustainability practices. Systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are integrated into the design, minimizing resource consumption. Additionally, solar panels are strategically incorporated to complement the energy-efficient design, further reducing reliance on external power sources.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the structural and organizational aspects of "The House That Breathes," readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas presented in detailed project documentation. This exploration will provide valuable insights into how design choices were made to fulfill both functional requirements and environmental responsibility.

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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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