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Circular Structure Crafted with Recycled PET Insulation for High-Altitude Shelter

Authors:
Rafael Atri, Rafael Atri, Rodrigo De La Cerda, Abraham Cohen
Circular Structure Crafted with Recycled PET Insulation for High-Altitude Shelter
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Utilizing recycled PET for insulation and a circular design for enhanced wind resistance, the shelter provides a sustainable and functional refuge in a high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled PET bottles as structural insulation to enhance thermal performance.
02
Incorporates a circular design for optimal wind resistance in harsh climates.
03
Modular layout allows for flexible usage and adapts to varying occupancy levels.
04
Features a wind energy system to power essential functions sustainably.
05
Emphasizes local materials and construction methods to minimize environmental impact.

## Overview

Located in the Himalayan region, the Mountain Hut project addresses the unique challenges of high-altitude living, providing essential shelter for trekkers and climbers navigating the rugged terrain. This design seeks to create a functional and inviting refuge that capitalizes on the surrounding natural environment while promoting self-sufficiency for its users. The hut's conceptual framework integrates practicality with aesthetic considerations, balancing the needs for durability and comfort in a harsh climate.

## Structural and Spatial Innovation

The hut employs a circular geometry to enhance structural stability and wind resilience, reducing the impact of extreme weather conditions while evoking traditional architectural forms common in mountainous cultures. The internal layout is designed for optimal user experience, featuring access points that facilitate movement through communal areas, bunk spaces, and private accommodations organized around a central core. This arrangement encourages social interaction among occupants, enhancing the sense of community.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainable design practices suitable for the alpine environment. High-tech fabric provides a lightweight and weather-resistant outer covering, complemented by polyethylene tarp for insulation. Recycled PET bottles serve as thermal mass and structural components within the walls. Steel mesh and poles form the internal frame, while mud brick can be utilized where local conditions allow. Emphasizing local sourcing and minimal environmental impact, the construction process is designed to conserve resources while ensuring the long-term viability of the hut. Additionally, integrated systems for energy generation and water collection enhance operational independence, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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