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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Mountain Retreat Designed for Climbers

Authors:
Anna Nawrocka, Martyna Dryś, Natalia Cymerman
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Mountain Retreat Designed for Climbers

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates seamlessly with the Himalayan landscape, providing a sustainable retreat for climbers seeking refuge from extreme conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and fire protection.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design to optimize wind resistance and snow load management.
04
Integrates a snow-melting system for easy access during winter conditions.
05
Maximizes natural light with extensive panoramic windows, connecting occupants to the landscape.

### Overview
Located within the challenging climatic environment of the Himalayas, the Himalayan Mountain Hut is designed as a functional refuge for mountaineers. The architectural approach focuses on integrating the structure into the natural landscape while providing modern amenities. The intent is to create a space that facilitates outdoor experiences while ensuring comfort and safety amidst extreme weather conditions.

### Spatial Strategy
The design features fluid and organic forms that resonate with the surrounding topography, departing from traditional cabin architecture. This integration results in an open layout where spaces are interconnected rather than confined by walls, allowing residents to engage fully with their natural environment. The hut’s shape mirrors the jagged silhouettes of the mountains, creating a dynamic relationship with the landscape, and enhancing the overall aesthetic while ensuring structural stability.

### Material and Sustainability
A strategic selection of materials supports both durability and energy efficiency. The use of wood provides warmth, while large glass panels optimize natural light and offer expansive views of the surroundings. Concrete is employed for its strength in foundational elements, and reinforced steel ensures stability under harsh weather conditions. Sustainable features include photovoltaic glass for solar energy and a snow-melting system for winter efficiency. Additionally, the design incorporates waste management and energy conservation strategies, reinforcing a commitment to eco-friendly living while addressing the unique challenges of high-altitude architecture.

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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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