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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Sustainable Mountain Huts for Community and Trekkers

Author:
Andra Nicolescu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Sustainable Mountain Huts for Community and Trekkers
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, these sustainable mountain huts are designed to harmonize with the high-altitude landscape while serving as communal gathering spaces for trekkers and locals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural integrity.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to ensure a reliable water supply.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize stability against high winds.
05
Promotes community interaction through flexible open interior layouts.

### Project Overview

The design incorporates sustainable architectural principles to create accessible huts in a high-altitude mountainous region, specifically targeting areas transitioning between tropical and snowy environments. The intent is to support both trekkers and local communities by facilitating interaction, gathering, and exploration in these remote locations.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is strategically adapted to varying altitudes, addressing specific climatic and topographical conditions. At lower elevations (2,000 meters), the structures are integrated with the landscape, taking advantage of the surrounding warmth and greenery. As the altitude increases to approximately 3,000 meters, the design incorporates systems for rainwater collection, thus reflecting an innovative approach to resource management. Each variant is tailored to confront the environmental challenges associated with its specific height, thereby enhancing functionality and user comfort.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection prioritizes sustainability and resilience. Wood is used for both structural components and exterior cladding, capitalizing on its renewable qualities and aesthetic warmth. Transparent glass is featured prominently, allowing natural light to penetrate and fostering a connection with the exterior landscape. Steel is employed within the structural framework to ensure durability against harsh weather patterns.

Sustainable technologies are central to the design, with solar panels integrated into the roof structure and rainwater harvesting systems implemented at mid-elevations. These features underscore the commitment to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. The interior design promotes communal activities through open floor plans and designated campfire areas, facilitating social interaction among users.

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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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