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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Mountain Refuge

Authors:
Anna Bolotnikova, Konstantin Balin, Regina Lugmanova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Mountain Refuge
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design harmonizes with its Himalayan surroundings, creating a sustainable refuge for trekkers and climbers seeking respite and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building uses local stone for exterior walls, enhancing durability and environmental integration.
02
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the bent A-frame roof design to optimize energy efficiency.
03
Mandalas are artistically incorporated into the interior, reflecting cultural significance and personal introspection.
04
The flexible layout allows spaces to serve multiple functions, adapting to varying group sizes and needs.
05
Natural materials were selected to create a restorative atmosphere while minimizing ecological impact.

### Overview
The mountain hut is situated in the Himalayan region of Nepal, designed to serve as a refuge for trekkers and climbers navigating the challenging terrain. The architectural approach combines traditional and contemporary elements, aimed at providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment that supports both individual reflection and communal living.

### External Design Considerations
The structure utilizes local natural stones for its exterior, ensuring durability while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Integration of solar collectors and photovoltaic panels reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The design features a duality of smooth, contemporary curves alongside rugged stone walls, fostering a dialog between the built environment and the natural terrain. This thoughtful approach addresses environmental factors such as high winds and snow accumulation, enhancing the building's resilience.

### Internal Design Strategy
The interior layout prioritizes communal areas while providing opportunities for solitude and introspection. Well-lit common spaces include flexible seating arrangements and interactive zones to promote social engagement among users. Distinctive features such as a ceiling embedded with multicolored diodes enhance the atmosphere and contribute to the overall design aesthetic. The warmth of wooden finishes throughout the interior creates a welcoming ambiance, reinforcing the hut's role as a space for relaxation and restoration after active days in the mountains.

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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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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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