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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Shelter for Trekkers

Authors:
Wai Sie Ng, Khang Siang Tey
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Shelter for Trekkers
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Combining charred wooden shingles with local stone, the design establishes a resilient structure that efficiently provides shelter and accommodation for trekkers in a challenging mountainous environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance thermal mass and climate adaptability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features large glazed facades designed for optimal solar gain and panoramic views.
04
Includes flexible interior spaces that can be easily adapted for different uses.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize structural stability in harsh weather conditions.

### Overview and Concept
The House of Sun is located in a mountainous region characterized by extreme weather conditions, serving as an accommodation facility for trekkers. The design prioritizes sustainability and climate responsiveness, incorporating passive solar heating and strategically planned layouts to enhance user experience and environmental performance.

### Spatial Strategy and Materiality
The building's massing integrates modern and rustic elements through the use of local materials such as stone and timber. The non-linear configuration optimizes south-facing exposures for solar gain, essential for passive heating. Stone serves as the primary external cladding, providing thermal mass, while timber elements contribute warmth and structural integrity. Large, treated glass windows foster natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, creating a connection between the indoor spaces and nature.

Buffer spaces are strategically positioned to regulate temperature and air quality, acting as transitional zones between the interior and exterior. The flexible layout supports various uses, accommodating both private and communal activities to promote social interaction. Sun rooms, designed to capture sunlight, create inviting atmospheres throughout the day.

### Sustainability and Environmental Strategy
The design incorporates several environmental strategies, such as thermal massing, where stone walls store heat during the day to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures at night. Natural ventilation is facilitated by the layout, optimizing airflow while minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. Daylight penetration is achieved through careful planning, ensuring natural light illuminates deeper areas of the interior, enhancing well-being and reducing energy consumption for artificial lighting. The project exemplifies a commitment to sustainable architecture, balancing modern functionality with respect for the natural environment.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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