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Corten Steel Exteriors and Locally Sourced Timber Define High-Altitude Community Shelter

Authors:
Miguel Rocha, Ulisses Costa, Ricardo Almeida
Corten Steel Exteriors and Locally Sourced Timber Define High-Altitude Community Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with Corten steel and local timber, the high-altitude shelter offers a resilient refuge for climbers and trekkers, promoting community engagement in a remote Himalayan setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with weathering Corten steel, enhancing durability against harsh mountain conditions.
02
Utilizes locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact and support regional economies.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes snow shedding and structural stability.
04
Incorporates large glass elements for natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Designed with communal spaces to foster social interaction among outdoor enthusiasts.

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is an architectural project designed to provide shelter and support for mountaineers and hikers in the challenging environment of the Himalayas. The design emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and integration with its natural surroundings, making it a practical solution for adventurers traversing this rugged terrain.

The architectural approach centers around creating a communal space that fosters interaction among users while maintaining individual comfort. The layout includes designated areas for storing equipment, cooking, dining, and socializing. By prioritizing these functions, the hut serves as a vital resource where climbers can rest, regroup, and share experiences.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design. Corten steel is utilized for the exterior, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions and facilitating an aesthetic integration with the rocky landscape. Local timber is used within the interior, providing warmth and comfort essential for user experience. The use of advanced insulation materials ensures thermal performance in extreme temperatures while large glass elements maximize natural light and capture expansive views of the surrounding mountains.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets the Himalayan Mountain Hut apart is its thoughtful response to the local climate and geography. The angular roof design not only facilitates snow shedding but offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional alpine structures. This form is practical and connects visually with the dramatic Himalayan skyline. The extended overhangs provide additional protection from the elements, enhancing the utility of the outdoor spaces.

Community interaction is a cornerstone of the design. Unlike typical mountain shelters, which often prioritize individual space, this hut encourages communal activities through its interconnected zones. The fireplace serves as a central gathering point, allowing for social engagement and warmth. This design choice reflects an understanding of the social dynamics among those who frequent such environments.

Interior Layout and Functional Design

The interior layout is strategically arranged to maximize functionality while ensuring a comfortable atmosphere. Entrance areas are designed for practicality, facilitating an easy transition between the outside and the living spaces. The shelter area is fitted with communal tables, creating an inviting environment for dining and social interaction. The preparation zone supports shared cooking experiences, reinforcing the community aspect of the hut.

The lofted ceiling enhances ventilation and light quality while contributing to a spacious feel within a confined area. This attention to light and air movement underlines the project’s commitment to user comfort and well-being in a remote setting.

Overall, the Himalayan Mountain Hut exemplifies a balanced architectural response to both user needs and environmental conditions. The careful selection of materials and innovative design strategies offer solutions in high-altitude contexts while promoting community engagement among outdoor enthusiasts. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, exploring the project presentation will provide additional context on the unique architectural ideas this project embodies.

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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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