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Charred Wooden Shingles and Bamboo Walls Defining a High-Altitude Shelter

Authors:
eric eberhard, eric eberhard, karina filbry
Charred Wooden Shingles and Bamboo Walls Defining a High-Altitude Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and bamboo walls, this high-altitude shelter leverages local materials and passive heating strategies to ensure comfort and resilience in a challenging environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced bamboo and charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
02
Incorporates passive solar heating techniques to optimize energy efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that blends with the mountainous landscape.
04
Utilizes stone foundations for thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures.
05
Designed for modular expansion, allowing future adaptability to user needs.

### Overview

Located in the Himalayan mountain range, the Himalayan Mountain Hut is designed to serve as a refuge for climbers and trekkers, addressing the challenges of high-altitude living. The architectural intent centers on integrating human habitation with the surrounding landscape, responding to climatic and environmental conditions while reflecting local cultural influences. The project embodies principles of sustainable architecture, focusing on durability and functionality within a remote and dynamic setting.

### Spatial Organization

The hut's layout follows a linear configuration that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout its interior. Key spaces include sleeping quarters, communal dining areas, and kitchens, designed to foster social interaction among users. With a modular approach, the structure allows for future expansions to accommodate changing needs, which is particularly advantageous in a context where accessibility to resources may be limited.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices play a crucial role in the hut's resilience against harsh environmental factors. Structural components primarily utilize locally sourced wood for its aesthetic and insulating properties. Bamboo is integrated into the walls and windows to enhance ventilation, while stone serves as foundational support, offering thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. The design also incorporates customized insulation fabrics to minimize heat loss, and solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic panels installed on the roof, supporting essential systems sustainably. This thoughtful selection of materials reflects a commitment to environmental harmony and efficient resource use.

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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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