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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Authors:
Gustavo Barros, Ana Figueiredo, Beatriz Costa, Marcos Rebelo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this mountain shelter seamlessly blends modern sustainability with local aesthetics to provide a refuge for trekkers in the Himalayan landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while harmonizing with the mountainous landscape.
04
Utilizes local stone in foundation work, ensuring stability while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels for energy independence in a remote setting.

The Himalayan Mountain Hut project showcases an architectural response to the unique climatic and cultural context of the Himalayan region of Nepal. Designed as a shelter for trekkers and adventurers, the hut aims to provide comfortable living conditions while ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. The architecture emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and integration with the natural environment, reflecting both modern and traditional influences.

The structure employs a star-shaped configuration that optimizes various views and enhances the overall experience for occupants. This form not only serves aesthetic purposes but also promotes effective space utilization. The modular design allows for adaptive usage, accommodating communal activities and private quarters. Central spaces include a lounge and kitchen, which facilitate social interaction, while individual dormitories offer sleeping arrangements for multiple guests.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's design. The use of sustainably sourced wood provides warmth and a connection to local building traditions, while stone is primarily used for foundational support, ensuring stability against environmental factors. The incorporation of lightweight insulated panels enhances thermal performance, which is essential in the extreme weather conditions of the Himalayas. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design to harness renewable energy, allowing the structure to maintain modern amenities without compromising its sustainability goals.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on cultural resonance. The design features motifs inspired by local flora, particularly the rhododendron, symbolizing resilience in the local heritage. This aspect brings together the architectural design and cultural identity, encouraging a sense of place for both inhabitants and visitors.

In addition to the functional and aesthetic characteristics, the architectural plans and sections provide further insight into the spatial organization and construction techniques employed in the project. These details illustrate how the design maximizes interior light and views, enhancing the overall atmosphere within the hut.

For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural approaches and innovative design solutions, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. This includes reviewing the architectural designs, sections, and ideas that detail the relationships between space, materiality, and context. Understanding these elements will deepen appreciation for the project’s thoughtful integration into its natural setting.

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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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