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Aluminum Gas Cartouches and Bamboo Construct a Sustainable Shelter for Climbers in the Himalayas

Authors:
Kamila Sasim, Artur Górski, Krystian Juszczak, Igor Klyus
Aluminum Gas Cartouches and Bamboo Construct a Sustainable Shelter for Climbers in the Himalayas

Project in-detail

Repurposed aluminum gas cartouches and locally sourced bamboo combine to create a sustainable shelter designed for climbers navigating the Himalayan landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed aluminum gas cartouches serve as roofing material, enhancing sustainability.
02
Bamboo, a locally sourced resource, provides structural support and insulation.
03
The design includes a rocket stove utilizing biomass, promoting energy efficiency.
04
Photovoltaic panels are integrated to supply renewable energy for daily needs.
05
The compact, circular form facilitates efficient heat distribution in extreme weather.

### Project Overview

Located in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Himalayan Mountain Hut addresses the unique challenges posed by the harsh climatic conditions typical of this area, which is a prominent destination for mountaineering. The design aims to provide reliable shelter for climbers while simultaneously tackling environmental issues, particularly waste management, that affect the mountainous terrain.

### Material Reclamation and Construction Strategy

A pivotal aspect of the project is its focus on material reclamation and community involvement. Utilizing local resources, the design incorporates repurposed materials, such as aluminum gas cartouches, which are transformed into roofing tiles. This approach not only minimizes waste but also reinforces lightweight and durable characteristics, crucial for managing snow loads. Additional materials, including bamboo for structural components and yak wool for insulation, enhance both the building's performance and its contribution to the local economy. Furthermore, the installation of photovoltaic panels supports energy self-sufficiency, while a rocket stove system utilizes biomass efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Design

The spatial layout emphasizes a modular configuration that includes open communal areas along with essential functional spaces, such as kitchens and sleeping quarters. This arrangement promotes interaction among users while maintaining the adaptability required for extreme weather conditions. The circular form of the structure not only enhances its structural integrity but also facilitates effective heat distribution. The building's exterior is designed to harmonize visually with the surrounding landscape, utilizing locally sourced stone and reflecting characteristics of traditional Himalayan architecture. The roof design ensures that it effectively manages snow and rain, thereby optimizing internal comfort.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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