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Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaics Define Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Authors:
Lukasz Lanczkowski, Easton Lambro Andrea
Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaics Define Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and integrated photovoltaics, the shelter offers a sustainable and adaptable accommodation solution in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves snow load management in extreme weather.
04
Integrates photovoltaic systems to support energy independence in remote locations.
05
Employs fog harvesting technology for water collection in high-altitude conditions.

### Project Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Shelter is situated in the challenging climatic conditions of the Himalayan region in Nepal. Designed for adaptability and durability, the facility addresses the needs of diverse users, including climbers, trekkers, and researchers. The intent is to provide a sustainable environment that offers shelter while being easily modifiable to fit into various terrains, thereby minimizing its impact on the natural landscape.

### Architectural Strategy

The design employs a geometric form that enhances functional responsiveness to the surrounding environment. A distinctive angled roof facilitates effective water runoff management and improves thermal efficiency. Integrated photovoltaic panels harness solar energy, providing a renewable power source for essential building systems. The façade combines timber and metal, utilizing a rhythmic arrangement of vertical strips that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also optimize ventilation to regulate interior temperatures.

### Material and Functional Considerations

Material selection emphasizes practicality along with sustainability. Steel frameworks support large openings that connect interior spaces with the outdoor environment, while timber cladding contributes to a warm interior atmosphere. Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collectors minimize reliance on external energy sources, and advanced insulation techniques ensure energy conservation.

Internally, the shelter features versatile spaces, including open-plan common areas that foster social interaction, private accommodations accommodating various group sizes, and utility rooms that support building operations and guest services. Additionally, a rainwater collection and fog harvesting system reduces the ecological footprint by utilizing available moisture for essential facilities.

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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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