Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Shelter Constructed With Local Stone and Timber for Mountain Trekkers

Authors:
Rajesh Neupane, Joanna Begleri, Kabindra Shrestha
Circular Shelter Constructed With Local Stone and Timber for Mountain Trekkers

Project in-detail

Nestled in the Himalayas, the circular shelter employs local stone and timber materials to create an efficient and durable retreat for trekkers, emphasizing sustainable design and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design enhances communal interaction while maintaining privacy for users.
02
Local stone construction minimizes environmental impact and ensures durability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Natural ventilation is maximized through strategically placed openings.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes snow load management and thermal performance.

### Overview
The Himalayan Mountain Hut is strategically positioned in a mountainous region, designed to accommodate hikers and adventurers seeking temporary shelter. Its architectural response prioritizes the unique environmental and cultural context of the Himalayas while fulfilling the functional requirements of its users. This analysis explores the hut's design concept, layout, material selection, and key design features, emphasizing its relevance to the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of the Himalayan Mountain Hut is characterized by a circular design that enhances spatial efficiency and functionality. The ground floor incorporates a well-organized flow among essential areas. The entrance serves as a welcoming threshold while providing access to utility spaces. Centrally located, the kitchen and dining area facilitate communal interaction, while strategically positioned bedrooms around the dining space ensure both comfort and privacy. The upper level further extends the living spaces, demonstrating flexibility to accommodate diverse group sizes and activities.

### Material Selection
Materiality is a fundamental aspect of the architectural design, with careful consideration for both functionality and contextual appropriateness. Stone, a primary construction material, is integral to the structure's durability and thermal performance, connecting the hut aesthetically and physically to its environment. Wood elements add warmth and texture, complementing the stone surfaces. The roofing materials are specifically chosen for their resilience against heavy snowfall, thus reflecting the local climatic conditions while paying homage to traditional architectural styles. The overall material palette effectively supports sustainability, with an emphasis on locally sourced resources, minimizing ecological impact and aligning with local building practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy