Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Wind-Driven PVC Waste Transport System in High-Altitude Terrain

Authors:
Han Kong, Peilin Liao
Wind-Driven PVC Waste Transport System in High-Altitude Terrain

Project in-detail

Engineered from lightweight PVC to harness wind energy, this waste transport system addresses the environmental impact of trekkers in the Himalayas, facilitating efficient waste management in high-altitude conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Engineered to operate in high-altitude conditions, the system utilizes wind currents for waste transport.
02
Constructed from lightweight PVC, ensuring easy deployment and handling by trekkers.
03
Modular design allows for flexible assembly based on varying waste quantities.
04
Incorporates eco-friendly materials, including recyclable components and biodegradable adhesives.
05
Aesthetic balloon form encourages environmental engagement among users in mountainous terrain.
The Bagloon is an architectural design project aimed at addressing the waste management challenges faced by trekkers in the Himalayan region, specifically near Mount Everest. The project integrates innovative design, functional architecture, and environmental sustainability to create a system that enables efficient waste disposal in high-altitude contexts. Its primary function is to harness natural forces, particularly wind, to facilitate the movement of waste materials away from trekking routes, minimizing human impact on sensitive ecological areas.

Innovative Wind-Driven Design

The design incorporates a unique inflatable structure made from durable PVC, ensuring light weight and resistance to harsh weather conditions prevalent in the Everest region. The balloon-like form serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, blending into the landscape while being easily deployable. The modular construction allows for straightforward assembly and disassembly, accommodating varying waste management needs. The use of wind as an operational mechanism is a significant departure from conventional waste management systems, which typically rely on fuel, making "The Bagloon" a more eco-friendly alternative.

Material and Structural Integrity

Key materials in the construction of "The Bagloon" include PVC for the inflatable component and steel for the supporting structure. The structural integrity ensures stability during deployment, allowing the system to withstand the region's high winds and other environmental challenges. Additionally, the design incorporates eco-friendly adhesives and modular connectors, enhancing sustainability and minimizing the ecological footprint. By selecting materials that prioritize durability and functionality in extreme conditions, the project emphasizes a thoughtful approach to architecture concerned with long-term environmental stewardship.

For further insights into "The Bagloon," including architectural plans, sections, and more detailed design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and specific innovations that differentiate this project within the context of contemporary sustainable architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16,979 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