Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sacred Geometry Shelters Crafted from Sheet Metal and Local Wood in Nepal's Highlands

Authors:
Anqi Xu, Yinjie Deng, Boris Karash
Sacred Geometry Shelters Crafted from Sheet Metal and Local Wood in Nepal's Highlands
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Crafted using tetrahedral forms of sheet metal and locally sourced wood, these mountain shelters in Nepal offer resilient, sustainable habitats designed for community engagement in harsh climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Structures utilize sustainable sheet metal for durability and low maintenance.
02
Tetrahedral geometry enhances structural stability and spatial efficiency.
03
Integrated solar panels provide renewable energy for off-grid living.
04
Local materials, including wood, ensure cultural relevance and reduce environmental impact.
05
Pathways and communal areas promote social interaction and community engagement.

### Overview

The proposed mountain shelters located in the Himalayan region of Nepal focus on enhancing accessibility for inhabitants and visitors while emphasizing sustainability and cultural integrity. Drawing from the sacred geometry seen in Himalayan Buddhist art, specifically the open tetrahedron, the design reflects the local context by harmonizing physical and spiritual elements within its environment. The project seeks not only to provide shelter in extreme conditions but also to facilitate community interactions and cultural preservation.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The spatial configuration prioritizes open, interconnected areas that promote social engagement while also incorporating private spaces for personal reflection. Key design features include flexible pathways that enhance movement, central communal zones that facilitate gatherings, and substantial openings that maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. These elements collectively aim to create a user-centric environment that fosters a sense of community within the shelters.

### Material Selection and Construction

Selection of materials is rooted in both environmental consideration and local craftsmanship. The use of pre-assembled sheet metal serves as the primary structural component, complemented by wood planks for flooring and insulation materials that ensure thermal efficiency. Stone is utilized for foundational elements, while solar panels are integrated to capture renewable energy. Adaptable tent canopies act as external coverings that adjust to varying climatic conditions. This thoughtful material strategy reflects durability and ease of assembly, aligned with the rugged topography of the area and the traditions of local building practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy