Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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

Project in-detail

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.

The "Global Village" project is an architectural initiative designed to serve as a communal shelter for mountaineers in the Himalayan region. It reflects a synthesis of traditional Himalayan architectural principles and contemporary design practices, emphasizing communal living and environmental sustainability. This unique architectural design operates as a temporary community space, facilitating interaction among climbers from various backgrounds while respecting the cultural and environmental context of its surroundings.

The structure incorporates a series of individual units arranged around a central communal space, dubbed the Village Square, which serves as the social heart of the project. This area encourages social interaction and collaboration, reinforcing a sense of community. The design leverages local materials and techniques, ensuring that the project can withstand the harsh climate of the region while remaining visually harmonious with the mountainous environment.

Architectural Elements

The "Global Village" features several components that enhance its functionality and aesthetic value. One of the key aspects of its design is the use of stone veneer for exterior cladding, which not only provides structural stability but also honors the traditional building practices of the area. Timber beams are employed for interior support, introducing warmth to the environment, while metal plate cladding offers durability needed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

The roofs of the structure are engineered to appear as though they are floating above the walls, contributing to a sense of lightness. This design choice encourages natural air circulation and snow shedding, minimizing maintenance needs during winter months. The building’s layout includes circulatory alleys that enable efficient movement throughout the site, reflecting the pathways commonly found in traditional mountain settlements.

Sustainability and Innovative Features

A distinguishing characteristic of the "Global Village" project is its commitment to sustainability. It integrates renewable energy systems, such as solar panels that harness sunlight to provide a reliable energy source. The project also employs innovative water harvesting techniques, collecting moisture from the air through specialized electrostatic filters, thus ensuring access to fresh water in an environment where resources are limited.

The use of layered insulation systems enhances thermal efficiency, allowing the structure to maintain a comfortable internal environment despite external temperature fluctuations. This focus on energy efficiency and resource conservation sets the project apart from other temporary shelters, aligning it with modern architectural trends that prioritize ecological responsibility and minimal environmental impact.

The "Global Village" project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture in challenging contexts. By blending traditional aesthetics with modern systems, it offers a functional and engaging space for climbers, promoting a sense of community and environmental stewardship. For further exploration of this project’s architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, please review the comprehensive project presentation to gain deeper insights into its design philosophy and technical innovations.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy