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Mandala-Inspired Shelter Featuring Natural Stone Facade and Sustainable Photovoltaics

Authors:
Anna Bolotnikova, Konstantin Balin, Regina Lugmanova
Mandala-Inspired Shelter Featuring Natural Stone Facade and Sustainable Photovoltaics
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Emphasizing a mandala-inspired layout and constructed with a natural stone facade, the shelter harmonizes with its mountainous surroundings while providing essential accommodation for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mandala-inspired layout enhances spatial organization and promotes introspection.
02
Natural stone facade allows seamless integration with the mountainous landscape.
03
Solar energy harnessed through integrated photovoltaic panels.
04
Water management systems ensure responsible use and treatment of resources.
05
Large windows frame unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.

### Project Overview

The Mountain Hut is situated in an elevated region of Nepal, intended to accommodate trekkers and climbers navigating the expansive and rugged mountain ranges. This structure provides essential shelter while prioritizing an immersive experience in nature, guided by a design philosophy that emphasizes introspection and personal discovery. Drawing upon cultural motifs, the design facilitates a connection between users and their surroundings, enriching their journey through the landscape.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of the Mountain Hut is strategically crafted to maximize both functionality and user experience. It is divided into specific areas tailored for different purposes:

- **Living Quarters**: These spaces are designed for the comfort of trekkers, featuring cozy seating and storage solutions for climbing gear, allowing occupants to recover after their expeditions.

- **Staff Areas**: Designed as a base for operational staff, these areas ensure that efficient support services are readily available for guests.

- **Common Areas**: Focused on fostering community interaction, these spaces serve as venues for social engagement and shared culinary experiences, strengthening the communal atmosphere among climbers.

Thoughtful arrangement of windows and openings offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, reinforcing the connection to nature while promoting tranquility within the hut.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Materials used in the construction of the Mountain Hut have been carefully selected for their environmental and structural properties:

1. **Natural Stones**: Employed for the primary facade, these materials integrate the structure into the landscape while providing thermal stability in various weather conditions.

2. **Sandwich Panels**: These composites enhance insulation, maintaining warmth within the facility without compromising aesthetic appeal.

3. **Photovoltaic Panels**: Installed on the roof, these solar energy systems support the goal of self-sufficiency and align with sustainable practices.

4. **Wood**: Utilized extensively in interior spaces, wood adds warmth and comfort, balancing the rugged exterior with a homely ambiance.

5. **Reflective Materials**: Strategically placed, these elements enhance natural lighting, creating a bright and inviting environment.

6. **Water Management Systems**: Including reservoirs and treatment facilities for wastewater, these features reflect a commitment to ecological balance and responsible resource management.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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