2023
The Ger Plug-in 3.0 in 2023 won the Silver Prize for the world’s most significant competition for sustainable design, the Holcim Foundation Awards. (See here!)
Jury Appraisal:
The jury particularly appreciated the profound cultural significance embedded in this sustainable design project that merges modern energy-efficient principles with traditional architecture. The project’s recognition of the enduring legacy of traditional Mongolian culture, symbolized by the ger and its representation of the people’s nomadic origins, deeply impressed the panel.
The architects’ commitment to preserving cultural heritage while innovatively integrating sustainable features exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition and progress. The architects’ innovation is noteworthy, as they adeptly navigate existing traditional building techniques to create a contemporary solution. This strategy, distinct from merely adopting modern building technologies, successfully eliminates the practice of open coal burning while presenting a contextually fitting and health-conscious housing typology for the local population. By doing so, the project takes into consideration not only the architectural and energy efficiency aspects but also the well-being of the occupants, which was considered a great asset of the project. This careful attention to comfort ensures that the inhabitants can enjoy the benefits of the energy-efficient ger house while experiencing an enhanced quality of life, truly demonstrating the architects' dedication to holistic sustainability.
Details
Design: Joshua Bolchover (District Development Unit)
Project Lead: Jersey Poon (District Development Unit)
Project Team: Minjmaa Enkhbat
Implementation Partner: Dulguun Batkhishig and Erdembileg Nemekhbaatar (Energy Efficient Design Build LLC)
Community Partner: Uurtsaikh Sangi, Temuulen Enkhbat (Gerhub NGO)
Completion Date: August 2023
Location: Songino Khairkhan-43, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Funding: District Development Unit Limited and Energy Efficient Design Build LLC
Image Credits: District Development Unit