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Corten Steel Exteriors and Locally Sourced Timber Define High-Altitude Community Shelter

Authors:
Miguel Rocha, Ulisses Costa, Ricardo Almeida
Corten Steel Exteriors and Locally Sourced Timber Define High-Altitude Community Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with Corten steel and local timber, the high-altitude shelter offers a resilient refuge for climbers and trekkers, promoting community engagement in a remote Himalayan setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with weathering Corten steel, enhancing durability against harsh mountain conditions.
02
Utilizes locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact and support regional economies.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes snow shedding and structural stability.
04
Incorporates large glass elements for natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Designed with communal spaces to foster social interaction among outdoor enthusiasts.

### Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is situated in a high-altitude region of the Himalayas, designed as a communal retreat for mountaineers and hikers. This structure responds to the natural environment with a focus on functionality and community, providing not only a space for rest but also a hub for social interaction among adventurers. The design integrates cultural references, particularly from Eastern traditions, emphasizing safety for users in challenging landscapes.

### Material Choices and Structural Resilience

The selection of materials is fundamental to the project's approach to durability and environmental integration. Corten steel is prominently used for the exterior, offering weather resistance while harmonizing with the mountainous backdrop. Interior spaces feature local timber, contributing to a warm atmosphere while supporting sustainable principles. Insulation materials ensure thermal comfort in extreme conditions, essential for high-altitude living, and strategically placed glass elements enhance natural light and views, connecting occupants to the surrounding landscape.

The architectural form incorporates a bold roofline akin to traditional alpine shelters with contemporary adaptations. Its angular geometry facilitates efficient snow shedding while providing protective overhangs that enhance user comfort. The interior layout is organized into distinct functional zones, including an entrance area for equipment storage, a shelter area for rest and socializing, a preparation zone for communal meals, and a presentation space for educational gatherings. This configuration not only promotes usability but also fosters a sense of community among users, reflecting a progressive approach to shelter design in remote settings.

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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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