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Cross-Laminated Timber Modules Nestled in the Himalayas with Sustainable Design Elements

Authors:
Rafał Lichołai, Katarzyna Pietruszka
Cross-Laminated Timber Modules Nestled in the Himalayas with Sustainable Design Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed from cross-laminated timber and designed to adapt harmoniously to its Himalayan surroundings, the modular units provide flexible living solutions tailored for remote communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and fire protection.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and thermal performance.
04
Designed for modular configurations to accommodate various community needs.
05
Utilizes localized materials and traditional building techniques adapted for modern application.

### Overview
The Modular Capsules of Nepal project focuses on the design of modular living units tailored to the specific environmental and cultural conditions of Nepal. Located in a mountainous region, the project aims to provide flexible, scalable, and easily assembled housing solutions to address the pressing need for shelter in remote areas with limited resources. The design intent emphasizes both functionality and sustainability, ensuring that the architecture harmonizes with the natural landscape while meeting the requirements for individual privacy and communal living.

### Modular Configuration
The project comprises a variety of modular units, each serving distinct purposes, including entrance and technical modules, living and sleeping modules, storage spaces, and specialized facilities such as medical and agricultural modules. This modular framework facilitates adaptability, enabling different configurations that can cater to diverse community needs, from individual residences to medical centers. The design employs an algorithmic approach for planning these modules, allowing for precise construction that accommodates the varying terrain and climate conditions. Prefabrication off-site further minimizes environmental disruption during assembly.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The chosen materials are pivotal to achieving sustainability and energy efficiency. Wood serves as the primary structural material, fostering a connection to the local environment, while large glass windows enhance natural light and provide panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape. Metal reinforcement is incorporated for durability, and advanced insulation materials are utilized to maintain internal thermal comfort. Each unit is equipped with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, which contribute to minimizing resource consumption and promoting self-sufficiency within the community framework.

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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

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