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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Mountain Refuge

Authors:
Anna Bolotnikova, Konstantin Balin, Regina Lugmanova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Mountain Refuge

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design harmonizes with its Himalayan surroundings, creating a sustainable refuge for trekkers and climbers seeking respite and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building uses local stone for exterior walls, enhancing durability and environmental integration.
02
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the bent A-frame roof design to optimize energy efficiency.
03
Mandalas are artistically incorporated into the interior, reflecting cultural significance and personal introspection.
04
The flexible layout allows spaces to serve multiple functions, adapting to varying group sizes and needs.
05
Natural materials were selected to create a restorative atmosphere while minimizing ecological impact.

### Overview
The mountain hut is situated in the Himalayan region of Nepal, designed to serve as a refuge for trekkers and climbers navigating the challenging terrain. The architectural approach combines traditional and contemporary elements, aimed at providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment that supports both individual reflection and communal living.

### External Design Considerations
The structure utilizes local natural stones for its exterior, ensuring durability while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Integration of solar collectors and photovoltaic panels reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The design features a duality of smooth, contemporary curves alongside rugged stone walls, fostering a dialog between the built environment and the natural terrain. This thoughtful approach addresses environmental factors such as high winds and snow accumulation, enhancing the building's resilience.

### Internal Design Strategy
The interior layout prioritizes communal areas while providing opportunities for solitude and introspection. Well-lit common spaces include flexible seating arrangements and interactive zones to promote social engagement among users. Distinctive features such as a ceiling embedded with multicolored diodes enhance the atmosphere and contribute to the overall design aesthetic. The warmth of wooden finishes throughout the interior creates a welcoming ambiance, reinforcing the hut's role as a space for relaxation and restoration after active days in the mountains.

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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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