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Lightweight Structure with Nepalese Wood and Solar Panels for Remote Sanitation

Author:
Nathan Chiu
Lightweight Structure with Nepalese Wood and Solar Panels for Remote Sanitation
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Constructed with a lightweight structure and local Nepalese wood, this facility incorporates solar panels and composting toilet technology to effectively address health and sanitation needs in a high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed for quick assembly and disassembly in remote locations.
02
Utilizes lightweight components for transportation by helicopter or yaks.
03
Integrates composting toilet technology to minimize environmental impact.
04
Incorporates solar panels for sustainable energy generation.
05
Designed specifically for high-altitude health and sanitation needs.

The Sagarmatha Snowdrift Sanctuary is a carefully designed facility located on the slopes of Mt. Everest, aimed at meeting important health and sanitation needs in a challenging environment. It serves multiple functions, acting as both a health station and a sanitation facility. The design concept focuses on resilience and sustainability, ensuring that the structure is effective while also being mindful of the ecological requirements of the area.

Design Concept

The primary design of the Sagarmatha Snowdrift Sanctuary emphasizes its role as a multifunctional health and sanitation station. The layout prioritizes easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for rapid deployment when necessary. Thoughtful organization within the space enhances accessibility, ensuring that users can navigate it efficiently and comfortably.

Material Selection

Materials play a significant role in the building's effectiveness and relevance. Steel is used for its strength, which is essential given the conditions at high altitudes. Local Nepalese wood is incorporated to establish a connection to the surroundings, respecting both culture and environment. Additionally, solar photovoltaic panels generate renewable energy for the facility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable design.

Functional Features

A key feature of the sanctuary is its composting toilet technology, which aligns with the goals of the Gorakshep Processing Facility. This innovative approach addresses sanitation issues without harming the ecosystem, which is crucial in such a fragile setting.

The design accommodates the need for mobility as well. The sanctuary's components are light enough to be carried by helicopter or yaks, making transportation feasible in this remote location.

The building's exterior is robust yet simple, blending into its mountainous surroundings while fulfilling the required functions of a health and sanitation station. This attention to detail ensures that it serves its purpose effectively, all while being situated in the demanding conditions found at Mt. Everest.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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