Architecture project // Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create Resilient Shelter in High-Altitude Terrain

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create Resilient Shelter in High-Altitude Terrain

Authors:

Lusan Nakarmi, Roshan Kumar Gho Shrestha, Soval Krishna Nyachhyon, Suraj Maharjan

Employing locally sourced stone and charred wooden shingles, the design offers a robust and thermally efficient shelter for trekkers navigating the challenges of high-altitude environments.

5 key facts about this project

Utilizes locally sourced stone and charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability in extreme weather.

Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient thermal insulation.

Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural performance and snow shedding.

Designed to accommodate up to 20 trekkers, promoting communal living in a high-altitude context.

Emphasizes sustainability through the use of regional materials and environmentally sensitive construction methods.

General keywords

nepal mountain hut shelter trekking communal sustainable local high-altitude resilience

Project specific keywords

stone wooden insulation bunkbeds sloped communal thermal locality ventilation sustainability

### Project Overview

Located at the Paldor base camp in the Dhading district of Nepal, the Himalayan Mountain Hut serves to enhance the mountaineering experience by providing essential shelter for trekkers and guides. The design integrates modern technologies and sustainable practices while responding to the challenging high-altitude environment. Capable of accommodating up to 20 occupants, the structure is designed for adaptability, allowing replication in diverse locations within the Himalayan region.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The hut's layout emphasizes functionality and comfort, featuring private bedrooms, a reception area, and a communal dining hall, promoting social interaction among guests. Bunk beds in the sleeping areas optimize space for multiple occupants. Large windows and strategically placed openings are employed to maximize natural light and ventilation, creating a welcoming atmosphere while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The communal dining hall, furnished with locally sourced materials, encourages a sense of community among visitors.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Local stone and wood are key materials in the construction, offering durability and thermal mass essential for maintaining a stable indoor climate. The use of natural materials ensures a connection with the environment, while the architectural form adapts to the mountainous terrain, featuring sloped roofs that facilitate snow management. Sustainable practices are prioritized throughout, with an emphasis on minimizing the carbon footprint and respecting local building traditions through the use of materials such as bamboo and clay.