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Dark Stone and ETFE Skin Merging Community Spaces in a High-Altitude Retreat

Authors:
Xuan Tung Dang, Duc Tuyen Le, Kim Ngan Dang, Nhat Huy Dang
Dark Stone and ETFE Skin Merging Community Spaces in a High-Altitude Retreat

Project in-detail

The use of dark stone and lightweight ETFE skin creates a unique contrast in a high-altitude retreat designed for communal living and reflection, offering visitors an immersive experience in a stunning natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using local dark stone to enhance thermal comfort in high-altitude conditions.
02
Incorporates an ETFE skin that provides natural light while ensuring efficient insulation.
03
Designed with distinct Sky Huts positioned for optimal views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Features advanced water harvesting systems tailored for melting snow and ice collection.
05
Community spaces are strategically placed to encourage social interaction among visitors.

Milkyeyes is an architectural project designed for a mountainous environment in the Himalayas, focusing on providing a space for rest and reflection amidst the natural landscape. The project comprises two distinct types of structures: Sky Huts and Earth Huts, carefully sited to enhance the user experience while respecting the challenging topographical features of the region.

The core function of Milkyeyes is to serve as a gathering space for visitors, fostering both community interaction and individual contemplation. The design prioritizes a seamless integration with the natural surroundings, allowing occupants to engage with the environment while providing essential amenities.

Design Elements and Materials

The project's architectural design incorporates local materials to ensure harmony with the landscape. Key components include:

- Dark Stone: Utilized for structural walls, providing durability and thermal mass. - Wood Finishing: Introduced in various elements to create a warm interior atmosphere. - Wood Beams: Used for structural support and aesthetics, showcasing skilled craftsmanship. - ETFE Skin: This lightweight material allows natural light to permeate the interiors while maintaining insulation effectively, essential for the climate in high altitudes.

Another unique design approach is the integration of advanced water collection systems. In this high-altitude location, these systems efficiently capture melting snow and ice, facilitating sustainable water management. The project's commitment to energy self-sufficiency is evidenced by the use of solar panels to meet the power requirements of the huts.

Experiential Considerations

Milkyeyes emphasizes the experiential aspects of architecture, encouraging users to immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty. The layout of the huts maximizes views of the sky, fostering a connection between occupants and the environment. Community spaces within the project are thoughtfully designed to promote social interaction among visitors, balancing the need for personal space with communal engagement.

The careful consideration of spatial organization, combined with a focus on ecological responsibility and user experience, sets Milkyeyes apart from conventional architectural interventions in similar contexts. The project reflects a contemporary approach to architecture that harmonizes functionality with the natural world.

For further exploration of the Milkyeyes project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, visit the project presentation to gain deeper insights into this innovative design.

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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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