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Faceted Aluminum Shelter Utilizing Modular Design in High-Altitude Environments

Authors:
Sergius Godulla, Johan Bettum, Damjan Jovanovic
Faceted Aluminum Shelter Utilizing Modular Design in High-Altitude Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing faceted aluminum panels and modular construction, this high-altitude shelter integrates seamlessly with its environment while providing essential accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes faceted aluminum panels for enhanced structural performance in high-altitude conditions.
02
Employs a modular construction system that allows for adaptable spatial configurations.
03
Features a central communal area designed to foster social interaction among users.
04
Incorporates solar panels for self-sufficiency in energy needs.
05
Integrates advanced water treatment systems for sustainable water use.

The Four Square project is a high-altitude mountain hut designed for use in the Himalayan mountain range. This architectural design focuses on providing shelter and essential amenities for users engaged in outdoor activities in extreme environments. The structure's modular components allow for adaptability to various geographic and climatic conditions, ensuring functional performance in such settings.

The architecture of the Four Square hut adopts a parametric design approach, utilizing overlapping grid systems to create varied configurations that respect the existing terrain. The hut's internal organization revolves around a central communal space known as "the hearth," which fosters social interaction while also serving as a focal point for the surrounding functional areas such as sleeping quarters, storage, and service zones, including changing facilities. This arrangement ensures that all necessary services are conveniently located in close proximity to user areas.

The materiality of the Four Square project reinforces its functional goals. The use of lightweight insulated aluminum panels allows for efficient construction and transport, suitable for remote high-altitude locations. The structure also incorporates wooden cladding for interior finishes, promoting a warm atmosphere. Durable glass elements in the design enhance natural light penetration while providing panoramic views of the mountainous landscape. Use of solar panels enhances sustainability by catering to energy needs, effectively integrating renewable resources into the project's architectural framework.

The design of the Four Square hut stands apart from typical mountain accommodations through its modular nature and the flexibility inherent in its parametric structure. This adaptability not only allows for varied spatial configurations but also facilitates integration with the natural landscape, minimizing visual impact. Additionally, the focus on community-centric spaces encourages engagement among occupants, integrating social interaction into the daily experience of users. The inclusion of advanced water treatment and energy efficiency measures further distinguishes this project from conventional designs in high-altitude environments.

Architectural details such as carefully positioned openings and daylighting features ensure that interior spaces remain bright and welcoming. The emphasis on creating a self-sufficient structure addresses the unique challenges of high-altitude living, providing occupants with the necessary comfort and utilities. The combination of structural integrity, ecological considerations, and user-centric design makes the Four Square an exemplary model within contemporary mountain architecture.

For further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, readers are encouraged to review the comprehensive project presentation, which offers deeper insights into the innovative ideas that inform the design of the Four Square hut.

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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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