Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Waterless Composting Facility Constructed with Recycled Wood and Polycarbonate for Eco-Friendly Alpine Living

Author:
Ah lam Lee
Waterless Composting Facility Constructed with Recycled Wood and Polycarbonate for Eco-Friendly Alpine Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled wood and polycarbonate, the facility employs a waterless composting system to sustainably support alpine tourism while minimizing environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using 100% recycled wood and plastic materials for environmental sustainability.
02
Incorporates a waterless composting toilet system that minimizes waste impact in alpine settings.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
04
Utilizes rainwater catchment technology to provide a self-sufficient water source.
05
Promotes local agriculture by producing compost from waste for community use.

This architectural project focuses on the development of a self-sustaining facility designed for use in alpine and arctic regions, particularly targeting the Mount Everest area. The project aims to address the environmental concerns associated with increased tourism and climbing activities, specifically focusing on waste management and resource sustainability. The structure employs a modular design philosophy that allows for both adaptability and efficient construction.

The facility is intended to serve climbers and local communities, providing essential amenities while minimizing ecological impact. It features innovative systems for water collection and waste disposal, ensuring that the surrounding wilderness is preserved.

The use of modular components facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, allowing the structure to be repositioned or repurposed based on environmental conditions and usage needs. This adaptability is particularly crucial in rapidly changing alpine settings.

Sustainable design is central to this project’s approach.

Innovative Waste Management Systems A prominent feature of this facility is its waterless composting toilet system. This system eliminates the need for extensive plumbing and reduces water usage, vital in areas where water resources are limited. The facility also incorporates a water catchment system that collects rainwater for use, thus decreasing reliance on external water sources and ensuring that the facility can function independently.

The architectural design utilizes recycled materials to promote sustainability. Materials such as recycled wood, polycarbonate sheets, and repurposed plastic pallets form the backbone of the structure. These materials not only reduce the project's environmental footprint but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and functional performance of the building.

Community Integration and Educational Initiatives The project emphasizes community engagement by producing compost from human waste, which can be utilized to enhance local agricultural practices. This aspect of the design reinforces the connection between visitors and the local ecosystem, encouraging a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties.

Furthermore, educational elements are embedded into the facility’s design, showcasing sustainable living practices to visitors. This focus on education helps to raise awareness about environmental issues specific to alpine regions and promotes responsible tourism.

The architectural outcomes of this project demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by high-altitude constructions and the role architecture can play in mitigating these challenges.

For a more detailed exploration of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, those interested in sustainable architecture are encouraged to review the full presentation of the project.

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

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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