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Circular Shelter Crafted from Locally Sourced Timber with Snow-Melting Water System

Authors:
Gustavo Adolfo Meneses Soria, Carlos Monir Jimenez Fernandez Rafaelly, Mauricio Romero Ledesma, Fernanda Miranda Noriega
Circular Shelter Crafted from Locally Sourced Timber with Snow-Melting Water System
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Crafted with circular geometry and local timber, this shelter utilizes a snow-melting water system to provide climbers with a sustainable and communal refuge in the heart of the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design promotes communal interaction among climbers.
02
Snow-melting water system provides sustainable hydration in high altitudes.
03
Timber construction utilizes locally sourced materials for environmental integration.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability against harsh weather conditions.
05
360-degree terrace offers panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape.

### Overview
Located in the challenging environment of the Himalayas, the Mountain Hut serves as a shelter for climbers and adventurers while prioritizing sustainability and user experience. Designed to accommodate up to 70 occupants, it emphasizes communal living through a circular geometric layout that fosters interaction among users. The structure not only functions as a resting place but also operates as a communal hub, providing both psychological and physical orientation with its central design.

### Spatial Organization
The Mountain Hut is systematically arranged into several distinct levels, each tailored to different activities. The **Activity Level** is dedicated to dynamic engagement and community building, while the **Circulation Level** facilitates efficient movement between zones. The **Sleep Level** offers private accommodations, ensuring comfort and recuperation, while the **360° Terrace Level** serves as an observation deck, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This multi-level organization enhances user experience by promoting both social interaction and individual privacy.

### Material Selection
The material palette has been deliberately chosen to ensure durability and compatibility with the rugged mountain landscape. Key materials include concrete for the foundation, providing stability on sloped terrain; wood for structure, offering warmth and flexibility; wooden tiles for waterproof roofing that echoes traditional Himalayan architecture; and zinc plates for enhanced durability. Additionally, fabric is incorporated for cultural elements, such as prayer flags, linking users to local traditions. This combination of materials supports functionality while maintaining a respectful connection to the environment.

### Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is integral to the hut's design. Solar panels provide renewable energy for lighting and kitchen operations, reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. The design includes a system for transforming snow into water, ensuring access to this critical resource. A manual water pump system further guarantees clean water for essential activities, complemented by eco-friendly toilet facilities that promote sustainable waste management practices. These initiatives underscore the commitment to a self-sustaining habitat in a remote environment.

### Cultural Integration
Reflecting Nepalese architectural traditions, the hut merges ancient styles—such as pagodas and stupas—with modern architectural elements. This blend respects the local architectural language and enhances cultural significance for users, creating a shelter that resonates with both heritage and contemporary design. The structure stands as a testament to shared experiences and communal values in the Himalayan context.

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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.

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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