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Clay and Straw Constructed Mountain Lodge with Seismic Resilience

Authors:
Rakash Amanzholov, Kairat Buzykeyev
Clay and Straw Constructed Mountain Lodge with Seismic Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed from locally sourced clay and straw, this lodge prioritizes seismic resilience and community integration while providing accommodation in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced clay and straw for superior thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates rubble foundations to enhance stability in seismic zones.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize wind resistance and snow load.
04
Features renewable energy solutions, including a wind turbine for off-grid power.
05
Emphasizes community integration through communal spaces for social interaction.

The Himalayan Mountain Hut project is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor situated at high altitude in Nepal, specifically above 4000 meters. This project serves as a flexible accommodation facility catering to both local communities and travelers. Its design emphasizes functionality while ensuring a respectful interaction with the surrounding landscape. The hut embodies the principles of sustainability, cultural integration, and modern comfort, demonstrating a balance between traditional building practices and contemporary architectural ideas.

This mountain hut represents a collective approach to architecture, where the design focuses on communal living and social interaction. It integrates various independent structures that house private rooms, communal spaces, and essential service areas. The spatial organization promotes interaction among guests while accommodating individual privacy requirements, crucial in high-altitude environments.

The unique feature of this project is its adaptive thermal design, utilizing local materials like wood, clay, straw, cane plates, and stone to provide insulation and stability. The robust construction responds effectively to seismic activities often present in the region, incorporating rubble foundations and timber structures that enhance safety and resilience. The emphasis on using local materials not only minimizes ecological impact but also ensures the hut fits harmoniously within its mountainous surroundings.

Innovatively, the project incorporates renewable energy solutions, including wind generators and solar panels. These elements allow for energy independence, crucial for remote locations where traditional energy sources are unreliable. Additionally, water management strategies that utilize rainwater and melting snow highlight the project's commitment to sustainability.

Another notable aspect is the project's cultural sensitivity. The architectural style reflects local traditions and vernacular building techniques, ensuring that it resonates with its historical and geographical context. The hut's design promotes a connection to the local environment and community, allowing visitors to experience the culture authentically.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the architectural plans, design sections, and the functional arrangements of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. This exploration will provide deeper insights into the architectural designs and the innovative ideas behind the Himalayan Mountain Hut, offering a fuller picture of its unique contributions to high-altitude architecture.

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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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