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Circular Shelter Constructed with Piled Stone and Aluminum Panels for High-Altitude Living

Author:
Lucie Kratochvilova
Circular Shelter Constructed with Piled Stone and Aluminum Panels for High-Altitude Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from piled stone and featuring aluminum panels, the shelter provides a resilient and energy-efficient respite for climbers and trekkers in the demanding conditions of the Mount Everest region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced piled stone, enhancing thermal stability in extreme conditions.
02
Modular design allows for adaptation to varying group sizes and requirements.
03
Aluminum panels provide lightweight protection while allowing natural light into the shelter.
04
Participatory construction encourages trekkers to engage in the building process, fostering community involvement.
05
Solar panels integrated into the roof ensure renewable energy supply, promoting self-sufficiency.

The DIY Everest Shelter project addresses the need for functional and sustainable shelter for trekkers and climbers in the demanding environment near Mount Everest. This project focuses on practical architectural solutions suitable for high-altitude living, emphasizing community participation in the construction process. The project embodies a philosophy of collaboration and sustainability, reflecting a contemporary approach to architecture that resonates with both environmental concerns and social responsibility.

The shelter functions as a modular living space, providing essential facilities for users, including sleeping areas, communal dining spaces, and sanitation facilities. The design emphasizes adaptability, allowing for individual units or a larger base camp configuration to accommodate different group sizes and requirements. The circular structural form integrates local cultural influences, balancing modern needs with traditional aesthetics.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of the DIY Everest Shelter is its commitment to community engagement. Users can actively participate in the construction by contributing materials, fostering a sense of ownership. This aspect underscores the importance of collaboration within architectural practices, moving away from isolated designs to a more inclusive process that values input from diverse stakeholders.

Sustainability is another critical element of the design. The project utilizes locally sourced materials that minimize environmental impact while ensuring structural integrity. Notable materials include piled stone for foundational support, lightweight alloy rods for the framework, aluminum panels for the roofing, and recycled plastics integrated into the structure. These choices reflect a focus on energy efficiency and low maintenance, making the shelter suitable for extreme weather conditions typical of the region. The incorporation of solar panels enhances the project's sustainability by providing renewable energy, aligning with a growing trend in architecture toward self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

Functional Layout and Aesthetic Considerations

The project features an ergonomic layout designed for ease of movement and social interaction. Internal arrangements prioritize communal areas, facilitating a sense of community among users. Each unit is supplemented with essential design elements, such as natural ventilation systems integrated into the roof's polygonal form. This design choice is critical for maintaining comfortable temperatures inside the shelter throughout fluctuating weather patterns.

The aesthetic choices reflect a nuanced understanding of the local context, with roofing patterns inspired by traditional Nepalese cultural symbols. This integration of cultural reference points elevates the shelter’s architectural identity while providing a welcoming environment for users.

For those seeking deeper insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the DIY Everest Shelter project, further exploration is encouraged. Understanding the innovative architectural ideas behind this project provides a comprehensive view of its functional and cultural significance in a challenging yet inspiring landscape.

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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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