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Vertical Garden Integration With Steel and Wood Facade For Affordable Collaborative Living

Authors:
Erik Vodenik, Simon Magerl
Vertical Garden Integration With Steel and Wood Facade For Affordable Collaborative Living

Project in-detail

A vertical garden enhances the steel and wood facade, creating a communal living environment that integrates affordable housing with collaborative workspace for young creatives in London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical garden design enhances air quality and aesthetics.
02
Integrated coworking spaces reduce commuting for residents.
03
Use of locally-sourced materials promotes sustainability.
04
Modular living units allow flexibility in space usage.
05
Charred wooden shingles on the facade provide fire resistance and durability.

The project centers on an affordable housing development tailored for young creatives in London, addressing the pressing need for economically viable living and working spaces. It encompasses a mix of private residences and communal areas, strategically designed to facilitate collaboration and interaction among residents. The design emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and community, reflecting contemporary urban living values.

Modular Community Living

The architectural layout features cooperative apartments that prioritize affordability without compromising on design quality. Each unit includes private living spaces integrated with shared amenities such as kitchens and bathrooms, fostering a supportive environment for community interaction. Furthermore, the inclusion of coworking spaces within the development is a significant design choice. These areas are equipped with meeting rooms and communal lounges, allowing residents to engage in professional work without the need for lengthy commutes. This integration of work and home life reflects a modern approach to urban living, catering specifically to the lifestyle of young creatives.

The design incorporates a vertical garden, a noteworthy feature that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building while also serving practical purposes. This garden contributes to improved air quality and creates an inviting environment. The selection of materials further supports the project’s sustainability goals, utilizing locally-sourced steel, wood, glass, and concrete, which align with both functional and design requirements.

Sustainable Materiality and Design Choices

The project employs a diverse range of materials to create a harmonious and functional living environment. Steel serves as a primary structural element, allowing for expansive, unobstructed spaces that promote flexibility. Wood features prominently in the interior finishes, adding a warm, tactile quality to the living areas. Glass is strategically utilized to maximize natural light, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces while enhancing residents' connection to the surrounding environment. Concrete offers durability and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the longevity of the building.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout, particularly in the emphasis on multifunctional spaces that adapt to the diverse needs of residents. The project moves beyond traditional housing models by fostering a sense of community through shared spaces, such as gardens and coworking lounges. This focus on collaboration is a critical response to the needs of a demographic that values both professional flexibility and social engagement.

For further exploration of the design, architectural plans, sections, and innovative architectural ideas employed in this project, please delve deeper into the presentation materials available. Understanding these elements will provide greater insight into how this project successfully merges affordability with a vibrant community-oriented lifestyle.

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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

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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