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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Sustainable Mountain Huts for Community and Trekkers

Author:
Andra Nicolescu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Sustainable Mountain Huts for Community and Trekkers

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, these sustainable mountain huts are designed to harmonize with the high-altitude landscape while serving as communal gathering spaces for trekkers and locals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural integrity.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to ensure a reliable water supply.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize stability against high winds.
05
Promotes community interaction through flexible open interior layouts.

### Project Overview

The design incorporates sustainable architectural principles to create accessible huts in a high-altitude mountainous region, specifically targeting areas transitioning between tropical and snowy environments. The intent is to support both trekkers and local communities by facilitating interaction, gathering, and exploration in these remote locations.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is strategically adapted to varying altitudes, addressing specific climatic and topographical conditions. At lower elevations (2,000 meters), the structures are integrated with the landscape, taking advantage of the surrounding warmth and greenery. As the altitude increases to approximately 3,000 meters, the design incorporates systems for rainwater collection, thus reflecting an innovative approach to resource management. Each variant is tailored to confront the environmental challenges associated with its specific height, thereby enhancing functionality and user comfort.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection prioritizes sustainability and resilience. Wood is used for both structural components and exterior cladding, capitalizing on its renewable qualities and aesthetic warmth. Transparent glass is featured prominently, allowing natural light to penetrate and fostering a connection with the exterior landscape. Steel is employed within the structural framework to ensure durability against harsh weather patterns.

Sustainable technologies are central to the design, with solar panels integrated into the roof structure and rainwater harvesting systems implemented at mid-elevations. These features underscore the commitment to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. The interior design promotes communal activities through open floor plans and designated campfire areas, facilitating social interaction among users.

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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
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