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Floating Roofs and Sustainable Stone Veneer in a Communal Mountain Habitat

Authors:
Tsz Kit Justin Ng, Ihroom Oh, Tristan Cheong Ping Sito
Floating Roofs and Sustainable Stone Veneer in a Communal Mountain Habitat
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Engineered with floating roofs and clad in robust stone veneer, the design seamlessly integrates traditional mountain aesthetics with modern sustainability to create a communal shelter for climbers in the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes floating roof design to enhance natural ventilation and snow shedding.
02
Constructed with locally sourced stone veneer to integrate with the mountainous landscape.
03
Features communal spaces designed to foster interaction among climbers.
04
Incorporates advanced water harvesting techniques for sustainable resource management.
05
Employs thermal insulation systems tailored for extreme Himalayan climates.

## Overview

Located in the Himalayas, the Global Village project is conceived to serve as a temporary community for mountaineers, fostering connections among individuals from various nationalities within a challenging environmental context. The design reflects a response to traditional Himalayan architecture, influenced by the communal living styles of Nepalese Buddhist monasteries. By integrating cultural elements with contemporary architectural practices, the project aims to create a sustainable refuge that addresses both social and environmental aspects of mountain exploration.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout of the Global Village emphasizes communal living through a series of interconnected spaces. Central to the design is a village square that acts as a communal hub, facilitating social interaction among climbers and residents. Passageways and circulatory alleys are strategically arranged to promote movement and connectivity, mimicking the natural flow found in traditional mountain settlements. The structure primarily exists on a single floor, enhancing accessibility and minimizing disruption to the surrounding landscape.

### Design Elements:

- **Floating Roofs**: Designed to create a sense of lightness, the roofs contrast with solid stone walls while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- **Thermal Comfort**: The interior is characterized by large windows that provide natural light and picturesque views, prioritizing user experience in a rugged environment. Shared spaces, such as kitchens and reception areas, are intentionally positioned to encourage communal interactions.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and environmental resilience, suitable for the harsh Himalayan climate. By utilizing local resources, the project reduces its carbon footprint while maintaining continuity with the region’s architectural heritage.

### Material Components:

- **Stone Veneer**: Ensures structural integrity while echoing traditional mountain homes.
- **Timber Beams**: Provides warmth within the interior, balancing the starkness of the external elements.
- **Metal Cladding**: Functions as protective outer layering against severe weather.
- **Advanced Insulation Solutions**: Comprising rigid and batt insulation alongside OSB, these materials ensure energy efficiency and thermal regulation.
- **Water and Energy Systems**: Incorporating solar panels for electricity generation and atmospheric water generation for sustainable water supply, the design underscores a holistic approach to resource use, addressing scarcity in a remote locale.

These components collectively contribute to a design that harmonizes with its environment while enhancing the experiential quality of mountain living.

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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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