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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Authors:
Gustavo Barros, Ana Figueiredo, Beatriz Costa, Marcos Rebelo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this mountain shelter seamlessly blends modern sustainability with local aesthetics to provide a refuge for trekkers in the Himalayan landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while harmonizing with the mountainous landscape.
04
Utilizes local stone in foundation work, ensuring stability while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels for energy independence in a remote setting.

## Project Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is situated in the challenging terrain of the Nepalese Himalayas, designed to provide shelter for trekkers and adventurers. The intent is to create a functional living space that offers comfort while harmonizing with the region's unique environmental and cultural attributes. The design seeks to accommodate both individual needs and communal activities, making it a versatile refuge in an extreme climate.

### Aesthetic and Structural Elements

The hut features a distinctive star-shaped layout, facilitating multiple orientations that enhance views of the surrounding landscape. This petal-like configuration draws inspiration from local flora, reflecting the characteristics of the Himalayas while promoting both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The modular design allows for various uses, including community interactions and private sleeping spaces, optimizing the hut's versatility and usability.

### Materials and Environmental Consideration

Sustainably sourced wood serves as the primary construction material, enhancing the hut's natural warmth and aesthetic. Local stone is employed in foundational elements to ensure stability and a strong connection to the site. The integration of photovoltaic panels supports modern amenities while minimizing reliance on non-renewable energy. Insulated panels are also utilized to provide essential thermal comfort, addressing the temperature extremes common in the high-altitude environment. These material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint and responding effectively to the challenges posed by the mountainous landscape.

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

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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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