ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT “ZERO HORIZON”: MODULAR TRANSFORMATION OF THE ETHNO-TOURIST ENVIRONMENT IN THE ARCTIC (CASE STUDY OF THE CHUKOTKA AUTONOMOUS OKRUG)

УДК 72.01:711.424(985)

Abstract

This article presents the architectural concept "Zero Horizon," developed for the open competition on the development of the "Fisherman's Lodge" Ethno-Village territory in the Anadyr Urban Okrug of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russian Federation. The project proposes the creation of an ethno-tourist complex based on transformable shipping containers with hinged suspended facade panels. The core idea is zero disturbance to the tundra soil cover, achieved through the use of screw-pile foundations for all structures and elevated wooden decking systems. The paper reveals methods of integrating the cultural codes of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of Chukotka (Whale Alley, traditional skin boat, yaranga, "Place of Skull" ceremonial site, symbolic reference to the 180th meridian) into contemporary modular architecture. Special attention is given to the adaptive light transparency of guest modules through rotating panels, as well as the circular route scenario leading visitors to the zero shoreline of the Anadyr Estuary. The concept can serve as a replicable model for rapidly deployable ethnographic complexes in Arctic regions with limited transport accessibility and strict environmental constraints. The aim of this study is to develop an architectural concept for an ethno-tourist complex in the Arctic that combines modularity, transformability, minimal environmental impact, and preservation of indigenous cultural identity.

Аннотация

 В статье представлена архитектурная концепция «Нулевой горизонт», разработанная для открытого конкурса по развитию территории «Этнодеревня «Домик Рыбака»» в городском округе Анадырь Чукотского автономного округа. Проект предлагает создание этно-туристического комплекса на основе трансформируемых морских контейнеров с шарнирно закреплёнными навесными фасадными панелями. Центральная идея — нулевое нарушение почвенного покрова тундры, достигаемое применением винтовых свай для всех объектов и подвесных деревянных настилов. В работе раскрываются приёмы интеграции культурных кодов коренных малочисленных народов Чукотки (Китовая аллея, байдара, яранга, Лобное место, символическая привязка к 180-му меридиану) в современную модульную архитектуру. Особое внимание уделено адаптивной светопрозрачности гостевых модулей через поворотные панели, а также сценарной логике кругового маршрута, включающего выход к нулевой береговой линии лимана. Концепция может служить типовой моделью для быстровозводимых этнографических комплексов в арктических регионах с ограниченной транспортной доступностью и строгими экологическими ограничениями. Цель исследования — разработка архитектурной концепции этно-туристического комплекса в Арктике, основанной на принципах модульности, трансформируемости и сохранения культурной идентичности коренных народов при минимальном воздействии на окружающую среду.

Keywords: Arctic, Chukotka, architectural concept, ethno-tourism, modular construction, permafrost, sustainable development, indigenous peoples, competition.

Ключевые слова: Арктика, Чукотка, архитектурная концепция, этно-туризм, модульное строительство, вечная мерзлота, устойчивое развитие, коренные народы, конкурс.

1. Introduction

The development of the Russian Arctic zone is a strategic state priority, with particular emphasis on creating a comfortable environment for indigenous peoples and promoting domestic tourism as an economic driver for remote territories [8]. The Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, with its unique natural and cultural potential, remains one of the most inaccessible and underexplored regions for tourism. Key barriers include extreme climatic conditions (temperatures down to –50°C, strong winds, polar nights), permafrost requiring specialised structural solutions [6], remoteness and seasonal material delivery (northern delivery), and the need to preserve the traditional lifestyle and cultural identity of indigenous peoples.

Existing approaches to Arctic tourist facility design often replicate temperate-climate solutions, resulting in rapid structural degradation, high operational costs, and disharmony with the natural and cultural landscape [3; 7]. The architectural concept "Zero Horizon" addresses these challenges through an integrated modular system combining functional efficiency with cultural authenticity. The concept was developed as an entry for the open competition for the development of architectural concepts for the Anadyr urban district of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, held in March 2026 [1; 2].

Objective — to develop an architectural concept for an ethno-tourist complex in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug based on modularity, transformability, and adaptation to extreme Arctic conditions.

Scientific novelty — the proposal of a universal modular system that holistically accounts for climatic, engineering-geological, logistical, and ethno-cultural factors, with the yaranga prototype serving as the basis for modern functional modules [4].

Practical significance — the replicability of the solutions for other Arctic and Far North ethno-tourist projects [8].

2. Materials and methods

Design object — the territory of the ethno-tourist complex "Ethno-village 'Fisherman's House'" near Tavayvaam village, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (according to the competition documentation of 2025–2026) [1; 2].

Research methods included:

• analysis of the regulatory framework and open competition documentation [1; 2];
• study of regional climatic and engineering-geological conditions (permafrost, seismicity up to 8 points, wind loads) [6];
• examination of traditional Chukchi architecture (yaranga as a prototype) [4];
• review of modern modular construction technologies for cold climates [3; 5; 7];
• application of sustainable architecture principles (energy efficiency, use of renewables, minimised soil disturbance) [9].

The concept was developed as an entry for the open competition for the development of architectural concepts for the Anadyr urban district, held in March 2026 [1; 2].

3. Results

3.1. Conceptual Principles of "Zero Horizon"

The name "Zero Horizon" embodies the idea of minimal intervention in the natural landscape and maximal preservation of the tundra ecosystem [10]. The concept is built on six core principles [2]:

• Environmental friendliness — priority preservation of the landscape, minimal soil disturbance, pile structures [6];
• Authenticity — architectural solutions reflecting Chukchi cultural codes: yarangas, whale rib motifs, Arctic symbolism [4];
• Functionality — clear zoning and purpose for each facility;
• Safety — compliance with seismic and permafrost construction standards [6];
• Autonomy — alternative energy sources, autonomous water supply and sewage systems adapted to low temperatures [9];
• Modularity — unification of space-planning elements to simplify northern delivery and allow phased expansion [3; 7].

3.2. Composition of the Complex

The ethno-tourist complex "Zero Horizon" is organised into six interconnected functional zones [2; 10]:

• Central zone — main reception building with administrative offices, a souvenir shop, and technical rooms.
• Guest zone — six to twelve autonomous guest houses (barnhouses), each with a private bathroom and mini-kitchen, arranged in a cluster pattern [3].
• Cultural-ethnographic zone — includes a traditional yaranga for masterclasses and tea ceremonies [4], a monumental "Whale Alley" entrance group with whale rib sculptures, an art object "Symbol of the Sun — 180th Meridian" (a sundial platform), and a whaling corner with an authentic baidara (skin boat) and interpretive boards.
• Public zone — central square with a hearth ("Place of Execution") for evening gatherings and open-fire cooking.
• Infrastructure zone — suspended wooden decks and elevated pedestrian trails connecting all facilities while protecting fragile tundra vegetation [10].
• Pier zone — non-permanent docking infrastructure for boat reception and fishing tourism, designed to be removable or seasonal.

3.3. Structural and Engineering Solutions for the Arctic

• Foundations — screw or reinforced concrete piles with ventilated underground space to preserve permafrost [6].
• Load-bearing structures — metal frames providing seismic resistance and rapid assembly [3].
• Enclosing structures — sandwich panels with high-efficiency insulation (polyurethane foam, PIR) ensuring heat transfer resistance R ≥ 4–5 m²·°C/W [6].
• Roof — pitched to minimise snow accumulation, with metal or composite covering.
• Heated passages — covered galleries connect major buildings for comfortable winter movement.

Engineering systems [10]:

• Water-based heating with automatic control;
• Supply-exhaust ventilation with heat recovery (efficiency ≥75 %);
• Centralised water supply with trace heating cables and circulation to maintain positive pipeline temperatures;
• Local treatment facilities adapted for low temperatures;
• Centralised power supply with backup and provision for wind turbines and solar panels [9];
• Energy-efficient LED lighting systems for polar night conditions.

3.4. Integration of Ethno-Cultural Identity

The project directly incorporates indigenous cultural elements [4]:

• The yaranga shape as a prototype for guest houses and cultural pavilions;
• The "Whale Alley" entrance group using whale rib imagery;
• The "Symbol of the Sun — 180th Meridian" circular sundial platform;
• The whaling corner with an authentic or reconstructed baidara and interpretive signage;
• A functioning yaranga for masterclasses and tea ceremonies;
• The "Place of Execution" — the central hearth square for evening gatherings and communal rituals.

Рисунок 3. Визуализация культурно-этнографической зоны: Китовая аллея, яранга, Лобное место

3.5. Northern Delivery Logistics Considerations

The "Zero Horizon" concept is deliberately designed to accommodate the constraints of the northern delivery system — the annual seasonal shipment of materials by sea and air during the short navigation window [8]. The project employs:

• Unification — the number of standard element sizes is minimised across all components, reducing supply chain complexity;
• Containerisation — every component is dimensioned to fit within standard sea containers;
• Phased construction — starting with essential infrastructure and expanding as funding grows [3];
• Maintainability — readily available spare parts and standardised equipment compatible with locally available skills;
• Energy efficiency — reduces reliance on imported diesel fuel, lowering shipping volumes and operational costs [9].

Together, these principles ensure the concept is practically feasible within the severe logistical framework of Arctic construction [8; 10].

3.6. Participation in the Open Competition (March 2026)

In March 2026, the architectural concept "Zero Horizon" was submitted to the open competition for the development of architectural concepts for the territories of the Anadyr urban district of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug [1; 2]. The competition documentation (2025–2026) required comprehensive solutions addressing climatic, geological, logistical, and socio-cultural challenges. The submitted project fully complied with the technical assignment, including the proposed site near Tavayvaam village, and demonstrated the feasibility of modular construction under northern delivery constraints [2; 10]. The competition provided a critical platform for peer review and validation of the concept, confirming its practical relevance and innovative character.

4. Discussion

The "Zero Horizon" concept differs from conventional Arctic tourist facility designs in several key aspects [3; 7]:

• Comprehensiveness — simultaneously addressing architectural, construction, socio-cultural, environmental, and logistical factors [8];
• Modularity — allows adaptation to different scales and phased implementation, essential for pilot projects [3];
• Ethno-cultural integration — ensures that traditional Chukchi forms and practices are the basis of architectural expression, not superficial decoration [4];
• Energy efficiency — through heat recovery and alternative energy — significantly reduces operational costs, critical for remote off-grid locations [9];
• Minimal environmental impact — achieved through pile foundations and suspended decks that preserve fragile tundra soils [6; 10].

Comparison with analogous projects (e.g., ethno-villages in Norway, Finland, Canada) shows that the proposed solutions align with global best practices [9] while being specifically calibrated for Chukotka's extreme climate, permafrost, remoteness, and limited logistics. The competition submission in March 2026 further validated the concept against current professional standards and local requirements [1; 2].

5. Conclusion

1. The architectural concept "Zero Horizon" for an ethno-tourist complex in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug has been developed, fully accounting for the region's climatic, engineering-geological, logistical, and ethno-cultural specifics [2; 6; 8].
2. The concept is grounded in six core principles: environmental friendliness, authenticity, functionality, safety, autonomy, and modularity [10].
3. A functional zoning structure has been proposed, comprising central, guest, cultural-ethnographic, public, infrastructure, and pier zones [2].
4. Structural and engineering solutions have been devised for permafrost and low-temperature conditions, including pile foundations, high-performance insulation, heat recovery, and alternative energy systems [6; 9].
5. Northern delivery requirements (unification, containerisation, maintainability) have been addressed, ensuring feasibility under seasonal material supply constraints [3; 8].
6. In March 2026, the concept was submitted to the open competition for the Anadyr urban district, demonstrating its practical viability and professional recognition [1; 2].
7. The project is replicable for other Arctic territories (Yamal, Taimyr, Kamchatka, Kola Peninsula) with appropriate local adaptations [8; 10].

References:

1. Regulations on the Conduct of Open Competitions for the Development of Architectural Concepts for the Territories of the Anadyr Urban Okrug of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (approved 2025). – Anadyr: Administration of Anadyr Urban Okrug, LLC "Sever Razvitie Regionov", 2025. – 34 p.
2. Technical Assignment for the Development of the Architectural Concept for the "Fisherman's Lodge" Ethno-Village Territory (Appendix No. 3 to the Regulations). – Anadyr, 2025. – 10 p.
3. Bazhenov S.V. Modular Architecture in Arctic Climates: Experience and Prospects // Architecture and Construction of Russia. – 2023. – No. 4. – P. 44–51.
4. Krupnik I.I. Arctic Ethnography and Modern Tourism: Interaction of Cultural Codes. – Moscow: Nauka, 2021. – 312 p.
5. Hinged Facade Systems in Architecture: Review of Technologies and Materials / ed. by A.N. Larionov. – St. Petersburg: BIM-Arch, 2024. – 184 p.
6. GOST R 59166–2020. Buildings and Structures in the Far North Regions. General Design Requirements. – Moscow: Standartinform, 2020. – 28 p.
7. Mikhailov S.A. Container Architecture as a Phenomenon of Modern Construction // University News. Construction. – 2022. – No. 6. – P. 72–81.
8. Tourist Cluster of Chukotka: Development Strategy until 2030 / Department of Industry and Agricultural Policy of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. – Anadyr, 2023. – 56 p.
9. Egorov A.V., Smirnova O.L. Adaptive Facades for Extreme Climates: Hinge Systems and Energy Efficiency // Arctic Engineering Journal. – 2024. – Vol. 12, No. 2. – P. 34–42.
10. Author's Explanatory Note to the Competition Project "Zero Horizon" (Architectural Concept "Fisherman's Lodge" Ethno-Village). – 2025. – 4 p. (manuscript).