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Weatherproof Shelter Constructed With Reinforced Walls and Eco-Friendly Materials For High-Altitude Resilience

Authors:
Fajarsah Ananta, Fajarsah Ananta, Justyna Fleszar
Weatherproof Shelter Constructed With Reinforced Walls and Eco-Friendly Materials For High-Altitude Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with weatherproof reinforced walls and sustainable adobe materials, this mountain shelter is designed to provide resilient refuge in high-altitude environments, prioritizing community and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with reinforced weatherproof walls to withstand extreme mountain conditions.
02
Utilizes sustainable adobe materials for enhanced thermal insulation.
03
Incorporates a modular design for easy assembly and customization.
04
Features integrated rainwater collection systems for self-sufficiency.
05
Includes communal living spaces to foster social interaction among residents.

The zaraNa mountain shelter is an architectural design project that addresses the needs of refuges in high-altitude environments. This shelter is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions while providing a sustainable and functional living space. Its design revolves around resilience, safety, and adaptability. The combination of modern building technologies and traditional materials creates a harmonious balance that caters to the specific requirements of its mountainous setting.

Modular in nature, the zaraNa shelter supports easy assembly and disassembly, making it suitable for deployment in various terrains. The project emphasizes the importance of community, featuring shared spaces that foster social interaction among occupants. The shelter is designed to ensure comfort and safety, integrating essential services for daily living in challenging environments.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes the zaraNa project from conventional mountain shelters is its thoughtful integration of renewable energy systems. The incorporation of photo-voltaic cells provides the shelter with self-sufficient energy production, addressing the reliance on external power sources. This focus on sustainability is further enhanced by the use of rainwater collection systems, which ensure a consistent supply of fresh water.

The architectural design also prioritizes structural integrity through the use of advanced materials. Weatherproof reinforced walls and roofs ensure durability against extreme conditions, while an adobe (clay and straw) wall design enhances thermal insulation. This blend of modern engineering with traditional building techniques ensures the shelter not only meets functional requirements but also resonates well with the natural landscape.

Interior spaces are strategically arranged to maximize usability and comfort. Common areas, such as the public canteen and inner courtyard, are designed to promote social cohesion among residents, while private bedrooms offer necessary solitude. This configuration exemplifies the architect’s commitment to developing a communal living environment that addresses both individual and collective needs.

Architectural Details and Features

The architectural details of the zaraNa project reflect a conscious effort to create a safe haven. The reinforced floor system is engineered to support heavy snow loads, while the overall design facilitates effective natural ventilation, essential for healthy indoor air quality. The integration of a metal framework adds an additional layer of support, ensuring stability in the face of seismic activity.

The use of local and prefabricated materials enhances the overall sustainability of the project, aligning with modern ecological practices. The design showcases an innovative approach that not only embraces advanced construction techniques but also respects local cultural elements.

For those interested in exploring the depths of the zaraNa mountain shelter project, further details such as architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas can provide more insights into the project’s thoughtful construction and design elements. Exploring these materials will reveal the careful consideration given to every aspect of the project, making it a notable example in mountain architecture.

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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.

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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

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