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Himalayan Mountain Hut Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Large Glass Facades for Natural Light

Authors:
Anna Głąbicka, Magdalena Grzegorzewska
Himalayan Mountain Hut Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Large Glass Facades for Natural Light

Project in-detail

Constructed with reinforced concrete and expansive glass facades to optimize natural light, the Himalayan mountain hut provides a functional retreat for trekkers while seamlessly integrating with its rugged environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with reinforced concrete for enhanced seismic resilience in the Himalayan region.
02
Large glass facades promote natural light and offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that efficiently sheds snow and supports thermal performance.
04
Interior finishes utilize locally sourced wood to merge modern design with traditional aesthetics.
05
Equipped with solar panels to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability in a remote location.

The "BREATH" project constitutes a mountain hut situated within the Himalayan region, intended to serve a dual purpose as a residential space and community hub for trekkers and staff. The architecture reflects a fusion of traditional Himalayan building techniques and contemporary design principles. The design emphasizes both durability and sustainability, characteristic of structures situated in harsh mountain environments.

The primary function of the hut includes providing shelter and amenities for visitors while promoting a communal atmosphere. The spatial organization integrates areas for dining, social interaction, and private accommodations while accommodating essential services. Sustainable design elements, such as solar panels, reinforce the project's commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint.

Sustainable Material Selection An important aspect of the "BREATH" project is the careful selection of materials that balance structural integrity with environmental awareness. Reinforced concrete forms the foundational structure, ensuring resilience against seismic activity. Glass is incorporated extensively in the design, maximizing natural light and establishing a visual connection to the surrounding landscape. Wood is utilized in interior finishes, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere while aligning with local aesthetic traditions. Steel components support both structural needs and renewable energy installations.

Spatial Configuration and Functional Zoning The architectural design features a three-story layout that effectively zones spaces according to their function. The first floor accommodates communal areas including a kitchen and dining room, promoting interaction among users. Located on the second floor, private rooms for guests and staff provide a retreat from communal spaces, balancing privacy with accessibility. The third floor features an observatory that invites occupants to engage with the panoramic views of the Himalayas. This stratified organization facilitates a cohesive flow of movement throughout the structure while distinguishing areas for socialization and solitude.

Innovative Approaches to Climate Adaptation The design incorporates innovative strategies to address the local climatic challenges. The sloped roofs, engineered to efficiently shed snow and reduce accumulation, reflect an understanding of the environmental context. Furthermore, the large window placements harness natural light and ventilation, which are essential in this high-altitude setting. These design choices enhance energy efficiency while preserving a connection to the external environment.

For readers interested in exploring more about this architectural project, we encourage you to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented in more detail. These resources will provide further insights into the underlying architectural ideas and their implementation in the "BREATH" mountain 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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