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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Mountain Lodge for Eco-Conscious Adventurers

Authors:
Kabindra Shrestha, Anushree Bajracharya
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Mountain Lodge for Eco-Conscious Adventurers

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced stone and charred wooden shingles, the lodge integrates sustainable design principles within a mountainous landscape, providing a cozy retreat for adventurers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone and charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views of the landscape.
03
Incorporates a solar wall on the southern facade for efficient energy collection.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
05
Utilizes double-glazed windows to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy costs.

### Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is situated within the rugged topography of the Himalayan region, designed to provide a sustainable living space for mountaineers while reflecting the local cultural context. The architecture harmonizes contemporary design principles with traditional vernacular elements, addressing the environmental challenges inherent to mountainous areas. This approach not only minimizes the ecological footprint but also fosters a sense of connection to the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The building is organized across two stories, featuring communal facilities on the ground floor, such as a central fireplace, kitchen, dining area, and storage for mountaineering equipment. The first floor is designated for private accommodations, balancing communal and individual spaces. The geometric form employs simple square shapes, slightly tilted to enhance energy efficiency, effectively optimizing spatial utilization while promoting natural ventilation and daylighting.

### Materiality and Sustainability Strategies

Locally sourced materials—including wood, stone, and mud—were carefully selected to promote sustainability and reduce transport-related carbon emissions. The hut incorporates a solar wall on the southern façade to collect solar energy and utilizes double-glazed windows to improve thermal efficiency. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system has been integrated, providing filtered water distributed through underground storage, thereby exemplifying a commitment to resource conservation. This approach demonstrates a proactive stance on ecological sustainability while creating an authentic aesthetic that resonates within its natural environment.

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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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