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Gabion-Walled Retreat Built with Local Stone and Bamboo Finishes for High-Altitude Living

Authors:
David Müller, Marine Skolka
Gabion-Walled Retreat Built with Local Stone and Bamboo Finishes for High-Altitude Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced stone and flexible bamboo finishes, this high-altitude complex integrates gabion walls for seismic stability while offering communal living spaces tailored for diverse occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local stone, enhancing both stability and integration with the landscape.
02
Gabion walls designed to improve seismic resilience in a high-altitude environment.
03
Bamboo finishes provide lightweight aesthetics while contributing to insulation.
04
Flexible spatial layout allows adaptation for varying group sizes and seasonal needs.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems implemented for sustainable resource management.

The architecture project under analysis is a high-altitude mountain structure located in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. It serves both functional and community-oriented purposes, providing essential services in a challenging environment. The design focuses on incorporating locally sourced materials and innovative construction techniques, ensuring durability and sustainability while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Design Approach and Materiality

What sets this project apart from others is its emphasis on low-impact construction and the use of gabion walls, which consist of wire mesh filled with local stones. This construction method not only enhances the building's seismic stability but also aligns with the surrounding geological context. The use of natural stone in the gabion walls creates a solid visual connection with the environment, reinforcing the building's integration into the mountain landscape.

Additionally, the project utilizes a diverse range of materials tailored to the climate and location. The interior features bamboo veneer for finishes, providing warmth and aesthetic appeal within a durable framework. Hemp wool insulation is employed to optimize thermal performance, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort for inhabitants. The strategic placement of these materials enhances the overall resilience of the structure while minimizing environmental impact.

Functional Layout

The architectural design includes a central service core that facilitates various operational needs, promoting a communal living environment. This core serves as the heart of the structure, housing essential services while allowing for flexible spatial distribution throughout living quarters. The design adapts to the seasonal demands of occupancy, ensuring that the living spaces are versatile enough to accommodate different group sizes and functions.

The communal areas are thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration and social interaction among users. Shared dining and living spaces encourage community formation, essential in such remote settings. The dormitory-style accommodations cater to varying occupancy levels, demonstrating responsiveness to the needs of visitors and residents alike.

Sustainability and Technology Integration

The project reflects a commitment to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy solutions and resource management systems. Solar panels are installed for generating electricity and providing hot water, while rainwater harvesting systems enhance water conservation. These elements are not only cost-effective but also crucial for self-sufficiency in high-altitude living.

The design's adaptability to its harsh environment, including features aimed at energy efficiency and environmental harmony, reinforces its unique position within contemporary architecture. The attention to detail in both form and function ensures that the building minimizes its ecological footprint while meeting the needs of its users.

For those interested in learning more about this architectural project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into its innovative approaches and practical solutions. Explore these elements to fully appreciate the architectural ideas that underpin this structure.

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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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