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Elevated Timber Pavilion Crafted with Translucent Panels for Mountain Shelter

Authors:
James Jones, James Jones, Petrina Moore
Elevated Timber Pavilion Crafted with Translucent Panels for Mountain Shelter
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Elevated above the snowpack, the cantilevered structure features laminated timber and translucent panels, providing a resilient shelter that harmonizes with the harsh Himalayan environment for trekkers and staff.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes snow accumulation, enhancing safety and stability.
02
Utilizes laminated timber for structural support while reducing weight.
03
Translucent panels strategically placed to maximize natural light and insulation.
04
Prefabricated components enable efficient assembly in remote locations.
05
Crafted for flexibility, allowing adaptation to varying occupancy needs.

### Overview
Located in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas, the Himalayan Mountain Hut serves as a purpose-built shelter designed to accommodate the needs of trekkers and staff while tackling the region's extreme climatic conditions. The project prioritizes efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability, aiming to provide a robust structure able to withstand harsh weather while offering a comfortable living environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The design employs a flexible pavilion concept, featuring modular configurations that facilitate the extrusion and subdivision of interior spaces to suit varying requirements. Key functional areas include airlock zones, sleeping platforms, and communal cooking spaces, all strategically planned to ensure usability throughout the year. The incorporation of cantilevered floors and roofs creates sheltered outdoor areas that enhance operational capacity and improve user experience. The low-slung roof form is intentionally designed to optimize thermal performance by minimizing ceiling heights, addressing the thermal challenges unique to high-altitude climates.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainable construction practices while ensuring durability and functional efficiency. Laminated timber serves as the primary structural framework due to its strength and lightweight properties. Translucent Kalwall panels and strip windows are integral to the building envelope, providing natural light and thermal insulation while maintaining privacy. The use of steel in mechanical fixtures enhances the structural integrity of the hut, while timber adds warmth to the interior aesthetics. The architectural strategy also incorporates renewable energy solutions, such as provisions for solar panels, to align with ecological considerations and support sustainable living practices.

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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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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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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