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Aluminum Gas Cartouches and Bamboo Construct a Sustainable Shelter for Climbers in the Himalayas

Authors:
Kamila Sasim, Artur Górski, Krystian Juszczak, Igor Klyus
Aluminum Gas Cartouches and Bamboo Construct a Sustainable Shelter for Climbers in the Himalayas
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Repurposed aluminum gas cartouches and locally sourced bamboo combine to create a sustainable shelter designed for climbers navigating the Himalayan landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed aluminum gas cartouches serve as roofing material, enhancing sustainability.
02
Bamboo, a locally sourced resource, provides structural support and insulation.
03
The design includes a rocket stove utilizing biomass, promoting energy efficiency.
04
Photovoltaic panels are integrated to supply renewable energy for daily needs.
05
The compact, circular form facilitates efficient heat distribution in extreme weather.

### Project Overview

Located in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Himalayan Mountain Hut addresses the unique challenges posed by the harsh climatic conditions typical of this area, which is a prominent destination for mountaineering. The design aims to provide reliable shelter for climbers while simultaneously tackling environmental issues, particularly waste management, that affect the mountainous terrain.

### Material Reclamation and Construction Strategy

A pivotal aspect of the project is its focus on material reclamation and community involvement. Utilizing local resources, the design incorporates repurposed materials, such as aluminum gas cartouches, which are transformed into roofing tiles. This approach not only minimizes waste but also reinforces lightweight and durable characteristics, crucial for managing snow loads. Additional materials, including bamboo for structural components and yak wool for insulation, enhance both the building's performance and its contribution to the local economy. Furthermore, the installation of photovoltaic panels supports energy self-sufficiency, while a rocket stove system utilizes biomass efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Design

The spatial layout emphasizes a modular configuration that includes open communal areas along with essential functional spaces, such as kitchens and sleeping quarters. This arrangement promotes interaction among users while maintaining the adaptability required for extreme weather conditions. The circular form of the structure not only enhances its structural integrity but also facilitates effective heat distribution. The building's exterior is designed to harmonize visually with the surrounding landscape, utilizing locally sourced stone and reflecting characteristics of traditional Himalayan architecture. The roof design ensures that it effectively manages snow and rain, thereby optimizing internal comfort.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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