Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Circular Shelter Featuring Local Stone and Charred Wooden Shingles in Mountainous Terrain

Authors:
Adrien Comte, Adrien Comte, Adrien Meuwly
Circular Shelter Featuring Local Stone and Charred Wooden Shingles in Mountainous Terrain

Project in-detail

Blending charred wooden shingles and local stone into a circular form, this mountain hut provides a robust and energy-efficient shelter for climbers seeking refuge in the rugged terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
The hut's circular design optimizes energy efficiency and promotes communal interaction.
02
Local stone construction enhances thermal mass, providing natural insulation against harsh weather.
03
Charred wooden shingles were selected for their fire-resistant properties and aesthetic appeal.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels were utilized for their strength and lightweight characteristics, facilitating ease of transport and assembly.
05
An integrated rainwater harvesting system underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.
The "Euler" Mountain Hut exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture, designed to serve as both a refuge and a community space for mountaineers in a challenging mountainous environment. This architectural project prioritizes functionality while maintaining a deep connection with its natural setting. Envisioned as a shelter for climbers, the hut embodies simplicity and practicality, factors that are essential in the context of its remote location.

The design of the "Euler" Mountain Hut is underpinned by a circular layout, effectively maximizing the use of interior space. This decision allows for flexible configurations, accommodating varying numbers of users depending on whether it is staffed or unstaffed. The circular form fosters a sense of inclusivity, making it a natural gathering place for adventurers who seek respite from their climbs. The central hearth is a significant design element that not only provides warmth and a cooking source but also creates a focal point around which occupants can congregate.

Materiality plays a critical role in the hut's design. By utilizing local stone, the structure not only draws upon the surrounding landscape for its foundational material but also enhances its thermal performance and resilience against harsh weather conditions. The heavy stone walls provide thermal mass, retaining heat during cold nights. Timber, chosen for the roof structure, ensures a lighter construction that balances the burden of the stone walls. The roof is further enhanced by the integration of flexible solar panels, which align with the structure’s solar orientation to optimize energy capture. This incorporation of sustainable technology demonstrates a commitment to reducing the hut's ecological footprint.

Another unique aspect of the design is its water management system. A rainwater harvesting system is included to collect, filter, and store rainwater. This feature not only serves the practical need for fresh water but also highlights an innovative approach to resource management in a remote setting. Such a system aligns with modern principles of sustainability in architecture.

The architectural design reflects an awareness of environmental context, emphasizing how human-made structures can coexist harmoniously within nature. The curvature of the roof, which is carefully angled for efficacy, assists in the performance of solar panels while providing dynamic visual interest. This thoughtful integration of form and function showcases an architectural idea that seeks to enhance the relationship between the built environment and the ecological surroundings.

In summary, the "Euler" Mountain Hut represents a multifaceted approach to architectural design that prioritizes sustainability, community, and adaptability. It operates as a communal hub for climbers while offering essential shelter, highlighting the importance of architecture in serving both utilitarian and social functions. The innovative use of local materials, coupled with advanced sustainable practices, distinguishes this project as a constructive intervention in a fragile landscape.

Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the unique ideas and considerations underpinning the "Euler" Mountain Hut.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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