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Biogas Facility with Aerocon Panels in the Himalayas

Authors:
Jeanette lei Julian, Sukhyun Hong
Biogas Facility with Aerocon Panels in the Himalayas

Project in-detail

Using a mini-biogas system to convert waste into methane, this facility integrates Aerocon panels and a water catchment system to provide sustainable support for visitors at Everest Base Camp.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a mini-biogas system to convert human waste into methane for energy use.
02
Collects and purifies rainwater to provide a reliable water source for hikers.
03
Incorporates N-Type IBC solar panels for sustainable energy generation.
04
Features Aerocon board panels enhanced with Shou Sugi Ban for durability and aesthetics.
05
Designed to blend with the dramatic landscape of the Himalayas.

Resurgence is located at Everest Base Camp, near Khumbu Icefall. The facility focuses on addressing important challenges related to waste management and environmental sustainability, while also improving the experience for visitors in a demanding climate. The design emphasizes functionality and aims to lessen the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas.

Waste Management Solutions

A key feature of Resurgence is its mini-biogas system, which treats human waste and converts it into methane for off-site use. This system tackles the significant problem of waste disposal in a highly trafficked area, reducing contamination and promoting responsible tourism practices among climbers and trekkers.


Water Collection Systems

To support visitors, the facility includes a water catchment system that collects and purifies rainwater. This ensures a reliable source of clean water for hikers. In an environment where fresh water is limited and often hard to find, this system addresses a crucial need for safety and health on the mountain.


Renewable Energy Integration

Solar panels provide energy for the building, supporting its operations with renewable power. N-Type IBC solar panels (Maxeon 3) choose efficiency, ensuring that the facility can operate sustainably while maintaining a low environmental footprint.


Materiality and Aesthetics

The design utilizes durable materials that can withstand the harsh climate. The building features aluminum cladding with rockwool insulation to improve thermal performance, and it has a sturdy steel roof structure for safety and longevity. Aerocon board panels treated with Shou Sugi Ban enhance the architectural quality and blend with the landscape, while synthetic wood slat flooring adds warmth. This mixture of materials contributes to a welcoming environment for visitors in a remote location.

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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
competition now

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