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Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Facades in a Himalayan Retreat

Authors:
Anna Nawrocka, Martyna Dryś, Natalia Cymerman
Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Facades in a Himalayan Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive glass facades, this retreat provides a sustainable sanctuary for mountaineers, seamlessly blending with the rugged Himalayan landscape while offering panoramic views and a refuge from extreme conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Uses cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes snow shedding and natural light.
04
Engineered for high-altitude climates with superior insulation techniques.
05
Strategically placed windows frame breathtaking mountain views while ensuring safety.

### Overview

Located in the Himalayan highlands, the Mountain Hut is a retreat designed to support mountaineers in a challenging environment while prioritizing sustainability and immersion in nature. The architectural intention is to create a space that combines practical functionality with an aesthetic appreciation of the surrounding landscape, addressing the specific challenges posed by high-altitude conditions.

### Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes a minimalistic approach to form and layout, fostering a safe and contemplative environment. Organic shapes inspired by the natural topography characterize the structure, incorporating jagged angles that resonate with the surrounding mountain peaks. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed, balancing communal and individual spaces to enhance user experience. A central sitting area promotes interaction while offering uninterrupted views of the landscape, encouraging occupants to engage with nature and reflect on their environment.

### Materiality and Environmental Adaptation

The choice of materials plays a critical role in the Mountain Hut's design, with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience. Wood is used for its warmth and aesthetic appeal, while expansive glass walls provide natural light and panoramic views, effectively dissolving the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Concrete serves as a structural backbone, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions. The integration of robust insulation and secure storage solutions showcases a commitment to safety, enabling a secure experience without compromising visual access to the exterior landscape.

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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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