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Foldable Waste Solutions Using Recycled Plastic for High-Altitude Climbers

Author:
Ho Kong Yung
Foldable Waste Solutions Using Recycled Plastic for High-Altitude Climbers
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With a foldable design made from recycled plastic, the portable sanitation units provide climbers on Mount Everest a practical and eco-friendly solution for effective waste management in the harsh high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for high-altitude use, allowing efficient transport and setup.
02
Made from recycled plastic to promote environmental sustainability.
03
Equipped with adjustable metal stakes for secure installation on uneven terrain.
04
Utilizes biodegradable bags to manage human waste responsibly.
05
Colorful exterior enhances visibility in the harsh mountain landscape.

The design project addresses the critical need for sanitation in the demanding environment of Mount Everest. It focuses on the creation of portable loos intended for climbers and trekkers navigating the rugged terrain. The design prioritizes functionality, mobility, and sustainable practices, ensuring hygiene requirements are met while minimizing environmental impact.

Structural Adaptability

The portable loos are designed to be foldable, allowing for easy transportation and setup at different elevations. Each unit comes with four adjustable metal stakes that secure the structure on uneven ground. This adaptability is essential to maintain stability in challenging conditions. Users can feel safe and comfortable, knowing the structure will provide reliable sanitation.

Waste Management Solutions

These units feature a toilet seat cover and a large hole for waste disposal, which encourages responsible management of human waste. Inside each portable loo, a retractable bucket holds biodegradable bags. Climbers can use these bags to collect waste during their journeys. This approach is environmentally sound, reducing the impact on the pristine surroundings of Mount Everest.

Material Selection

Colored, durable, recycled, lightweight molded plastic makes up the construction of the portable loos. This choice supports sustainability and functionality. Using recycled materials helps conserve resources while providing a design robust enough to endure high-altitude conditions. The materials reflect a commitment to both user needs and ecological responsibility.

Visibility and User Consideration

Visibility is an important aspect of the design. Bright colors are used to make the portable loos easily seen against the snowy backdrop of the mountains. This feature helps climbers quickly locate sanitation facilities when needed, while providing the privacy that is essential for their comfort. The design considers the user experience, ensuring access to hygienic facilities is both efficient and discreet.

The design integrates these features into a portable sanitation solution that enhances the experience of climbers while respecting the delicate environment of Mount Everest. It effectively addresses the challenge of human waste management in a high-altitude setting, contributing to the health and preservation of this unique landscape.

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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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