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Circular Shelter Crafted from Locally Sourced Timber with Snow-Melting Water System

Authors:
Gustavo Adolfo Meneses Soria, Carlos Monir Jimenez Fernandez Rafaelly, Mauricio Romero Ledesma, Fernanda Miranda Noriega
Circular Shelter Crafted from Locally Sourced Timber with Snow-Melting Water System

Project in-detail

Crafted with circular geometry and local timber, this shelter utilizes a snow-melting water system to provide climbers with a sustainable and communal refuge in the heart of the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design promotes communal interaction among climbers.
02
Snow-melting water system provides sustainable hydration in high altitudes.
03
Timber construction utilizes locally sourced materials for environmental integration.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability against harsh weather conditions.
05
360-degree terrace offers panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape.

### Overview
Located in the challenging environment of the Himalayas, the Mountain Hut serves as a shelter for climbers and adventurers while prioritizing sustainability and user experience. Designed to accommodate up to 70 occupants, it emphasizes communal living through a circular geometric layout that fosters interaction among users. The structure not only functions as a resting place but also operates as a communal hub, providing both psychological and physical orientation with its central design.

### Spatial Organization
The Mountain Hut is systematically arranged into several distinct levels, each tailored to different activities. The **Activity Level** is dedicated to dynamic engagement and community building, while the **Circulation Level** facilitates efficient movement between zones. The **Sleep Level** offers private accommodations, ensuring comfort and recuperation, while the **360° Terrace Level** serves as an observation deck, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This multi-level organization enhances user experience by promoting both social interaction and individual privacy.

### Material Selection
The material palette has been deliberately chosen to ensure durability and compatibility with the rugged mountain landscape. Key materials include concrete for the foundation, providing stability on sloped terrain; wood for structure, offering warmth and flexibility; wooden tiles for waterproof roofing that echoes traditional Himalayan architecture; and zinc plates for enhanced durability. Additionally, fabric is incorporated for cultural elements, such as prayer flags, linking users to local traditions. This combination of materials supports functionality while maintaining a respectful connection to the environment.

### Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is integral to the hut's design. Solar panels provide renewable energy for lighting and kitchen operations, reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. The design includes a system for transforming snow into water, ensuring access to this critical resource. A manual water pump system further guarantees clean water for essential activities, complemented by eco-friendly toilet facilities that promote sustainable waste management practices. These initiatives underscore the commitment to a self-sustaining habitat in a remote environment.

### Cultural Integration
Reflecting Nepalese architectural traditions, the hut merges ancient styles—such as pagodas and stupas—with modern architectural elements. This blend respects the local architectural language and enhances cultural significance for users, creating a shelter that resonates with both heritage and contemporary design. The structure stands as a testament to shared experiences and communal values in the Himalayan context.

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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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