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Pentagonal Lodges Crafted with Sustainable Steel and Natural Wood for Himalayan Trekkers

Authors:
Sandra Soehnel, Axel Hess
Pentagonal Lodges Crafted with Sustainable Steel and Natural Wood for Himalayan Trekkers
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Crafted from a unique pentagonal design, these sustainable lodges utilize wood and steel to provide functional and communal spaces for trekkers in the Himalayan region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with a pentagonal shape to enhance structural integrity and energy efficiency.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for increased durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainable living.
04
Features an open communal space designed to foster social interaction among users.
05
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for improved thermal performance.

## Overview
Located in the Himalayan region, the project comprises a series of sustainable, multifunctional lodges designed to serve trekkers and mountaineers. The design emphasizes resilience and adaptability within an extreme environment, aiming to create a harmonious relationship between the structures and their natural surroundings. The architectural concept is grounded in spiritual symbolism, particularly the significance of the angle measurement of 108 degrees, which is reflected in the geometric forms and the project's environmental ethos.

## Functional Zoning
The lodges are organized across three distinct levels to optimize user experience and functionality. The ground floor features an entry zone with sanitary facilities and a resting area for immediate guest comfort. The first floor serves as a communal space, including a common room, kitchen, and dining area, designed to encourage social interaction among visitors. A central stove acts as both a heating source and a gathering point. The second floor accommodates dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, maximizing capacity and comfort with the inclusion of bunk beds and additional amenities.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The structural composition of the lodges includes a variety of materials that prioritize both performance and environmental integration. Wood serves as the primary structural element, chosen for its transportability and alignment with the natural surroundings. Corrugated steel sheets provide external cladding, contributing to insulation and structural resilience under extreme weather conditions. Thermal efficiency is further enhanced by fiberglass insulation. Sustainable energy solutions are central to the design, with solar panels and wind turbines incorporated to harness renewable resources. Additionally, the project implements snowmelt and rainwater harvesting systems to supply drinking water, reducing its overall ecological footprint. The façade features windows that echo the national flag of Nepal, reinforcing cultural significance while merging contemporary design with local heritage.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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