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Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Foundations in Sustainable Himalayan Shelter

Author:
Ruben Donatone
Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Foundations in Sustainable Himalayan Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a robust stone foundation, the structure offers a resilient and sustainable shelter for adventurers in the challenging Himalayan environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural integrity and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize snow shedding and wind resistance.
04
Utilizes a rainwater harvesting system to minimize environmental impact.
05
Includes modular living spaces that adapt to varying group sizes and needs.

### Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is strategically positioned within the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, designed to provide shelter for trekkers and climbers while respecting the natural landscape. The project emphasizes resilience and cultural reverence, aiming to integrate contemporary architectural practices with the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the region.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The hut features a streamlined, angular design with a pitched roof, which not only aligns with traditional Himalayan architecture but also facilitates snow runoff, reducing potential structural impact from heavy snowfall. The layout includes configurable living units suited for various group sizes, each incorporating sleeping, dining, and communal areas. A spacious common area encourages interaction while providing panoramic views through expansive glazed windows, and the separation of private and communal spaces serves to maintain guest privacy effectively.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

Materials have been carefully selected for durability and sustainability. A predominantly wooden structure offers thermal insulation and visual warmth, complemented by locally sourced wooden shingles that also provide roofing and insulation. The foundation employs stone gabions to enhance stability while harmonizing with the natural landscape. Solar panels are integrated for renewable energy, furthering the hut’s sustainability goals. The design also incorporates passive heating strategies, utilizing thermal mass from the stone foundation and strategically placed windows to optimize natural sunlight. Additionally, a sewage treatment plant and a rainwater harvesting system showcase the hut’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint while ensuring operational self-sufficiency.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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