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Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Form a High-Altitude Retreat Designed for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Klaudia Kamińska, Klaudia Kamińska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Form a High-Altitude Retreat Designed for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and engineered wood, the high-altitude retreat integrates local craftsmanship and sustainable materials to create a versatile shelter for trekkers seeking comfort in the rugged Himalayan landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes engineered wood throughout to improve structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Features panoramic windows that maximize natural light and integrate views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Adaptable layout allows for flexible space usage, catering to varying visitor needs across seasons.
05
Incorporates solar panel systems for energy generation, promoting off-grid living in a remote location.

### Overview
The Himalayan Mountain Hut is strategically located within the Himalayas, serving as a rest facility for trekkers and adventurers navigating the region's challenging terrain. Designed with a focus on comfort, sustainability, and adaptability, the hut aims to respond effectively to the extreme climatic conditions present at high altitudes. The architectural intent prioritizes a welcoming environment while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the local landscape and cultural heritage associated with Himalayan tourism.

### Spatial Organization and Materiality
The interior layout features a carefully organized arrangement that includes functional areas such as a living space, kitchen, saunas, and multiple bedrooms. This configuration promotes a sense of openness and connectivity among spaces. The use of engineered wood for structural components not only enhances the warmth of the interior but also aligns with sustainable practices. The extensive application of glass maximizes natural light and offers views of the surrounding scenery, creating a continuous interaction with the outdoors. Eco-friendly insulation materials ensure comfort by maintaining warmth in cold conditions.

### Sustainability and Construction Techniques
Sustainability is a core aspect of the hut's design, with the utilization of local materials aiming to minimize transportation-related emissions while bolstering the local economy. Renewable energy systems, including solar panels, are integrated to meet energy demands, alongside strategies for collecting and reusing melted snow for sanitation and heating. Construction techniques reflect a commitment to the environment and cultural authenticity, leveraging local building methods such as rammed earth and timber framing. These choices not only contribute to the ecological integrity of the structure but also reinforce its connection to the regional context.

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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

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