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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Timber Create Efficient Shelter in Alpine Terrain

Authors:
Jonathan Anderson, Jonathon Yeo, Alessia Mercuri
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Timber Create Efficient Shelter in Alpine Terrain

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and local timber, the design offers a resilient shelter that enhances communal experiences in the rugged landscape of the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced materials, reducing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates a sloped roof design to effectively manage snow accumulation.
03
Features panoramic glazing for enhanced views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Utilizes a modular construction approach for efficient assembly on-site.
05
Promotes communal living spaces, reflecting local cultural traditions.

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is an architectural project designed to provide shelter in the demanding alpine environment of the Himalayas. The project merges traditional design principles with modern architectural practices to create a functional and sustainable living space for trekkers and climbers. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability within a unique geographical context.

The design features a modular assembly, characterized by a long, narrow footprint that integrates seamlessly with the mountainous terrain. This configuration maximizes spatial efficiency while allowing for both communal and private areas, catering to a variety of user needs.

Sustainable material choices are central to the project. Locally sourced timber is utilized for structural elements and flooring. Durable stone serves as the foundational material, ensuring stability against harsh weather. Glass is incorporated in windows and skylights to enhance natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Metal cladding is used for the roof, offering durability and weather resistance.

Unique Approaches and Community Focus

A key attribute of the Himalayan Mountain Hut is its adherence to sustainable architecture principles. The project employs a locally sourced material palette that minimizes ecological disruption during construction. The sloped roof design effectively channels precipitation, reducing risks associated with snow and rain accumulation.

Additionally, the hut is designed to encourage community interaction, with shared spaces that promote socialization among users. This focus on communal living reflects traditional practices in the region, fostering a sense of collective experience in a remote location. The adaptive layout allows for flexibility in accommodating varying group sizes and activities, making the hut suitable for year-round use.

Design Integration and Technological Considerations

The incorporation of renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, showcases the project’s commitment to sustainability. This element not only provides necessary energy without relying on traditional resources but also aligns with contemporary architectural ideals of reducing carbon footprints.

Architectural sections and plans illustrate how the design takes advantage of natural topography, further enhancing its harmony with the environment. The project stands as a reference point for future developments in similarly challenging locations, demonstrating the effective integration of traditional architectural ideas with modern technological advancements.

For a deeper understanding of the design, including architectural plans and sections, explore the comprehensive project presentation. Analyze the specific architectural elements and design approaches that make this project a significant contribution to contemporary architecture in challenging environments.

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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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