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Circular Stone Shelter Featuring Central Hearth and Sustainable Materials in the Himalayas

Authors:
Dan Even Åsli, Linda Åsli
Circular Stone Shelter Featuring Central Hearth and Sustainable Materials in the Himalayas

Project in-detail

A circular stone shelter with a central hearth, designed for sustainable living amid the Himalayan landscape, provides trekkers with a communal space that prioritizes both functionality and environmental harmony.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design enhances structural stability and wind resistance.
02
Central hearth serves both as a heat source and social focal point.
03
Local stone construction minimizes environmental impact and blends with the landscape.
04
Integrated rainwater collection system supports sustainable resource management.
05
Flexible internal spaces accommodate varying group sizes and activities.

## Overview and Intent
The Himalayan Ring Hut is strategically located within the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, designed to provide shelter for trekkers facing challenging weather conditions. The architectural approach integrates innovative concepts with environmental sensitivity, prioritizing the user's experience while addressing the climatic demands of the region. The design reflects a careful understanding of the geographical context and aims to create a functional space that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial Organization and Functionality
At the core of the design is a circular form that enhances structural integrity and promotes communal interaction. The layout includes various functional spaces such as an entrance hall for gear transition, a dormitory accommodating up to ten individuals, and a sauna with direct access to a central courtyard for relaxation and socialization. The inclusion of a technical room ensures efficient operation through infrastructure support like water collection systems. Additional storage areas are integrated to maximize usability while maintaining open communal spaces.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is carefully chosen to enhance durability and sustainability. Local stone forms the primary structure, complemented by concrete to withstand severe weather. Wood beams provide warmth and aesthetic appeal in roof and interior spaces, while treated wood cladding enhances insulation. Large glass openings allow natural light to penetrate the interior, creating an immersive connection with the environment. The roof features copper or corrugated steel to support water drainage and longevity, with provisions for solar panels. Sustainable innovations such as rainwater collection systems underscore a commitment to environmental resilience.

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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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