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Dry-Stone Wall Toilet Facilitating Waste Retrieval in The Himalayas

Authors:
Farshid Roozitalab, Mohammadsadegh Kaveh, Ahmadreza Dehghani
Dry-Stone Wall Toilet Facilitating Waste Retrieval in The Himalayas

Project in-detail

Constructed from a dry-stone wall, the toilet facility at Mt. Everest enables climbers to easily store and retrieve waste, promoting responsible waste management in a high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from dry stone, enhancing durability in harsh conditions.
02
Features designated areas for waste packing and retrieval, promoting climber responsibility.
03
Incorporates natural ventilation through openings for hygiene and airflow.
04
Potential for converting waste into organic fertilizers benefits local communities.
05
Designed specifically for high-altitude use, addressing unique environmental challenges.

The design focused on waste management at Mt. Everest tackles the growing environmental issues caused by climbers on the highest mountain in the world. Located in the Himalayas, the facility aims to provide a sustainable method for dealing with human waste generated by an increasing number of adventurers. The overall design concept features a toilet facility structured as a dry-stone wall, emphasizing practicality and environmental care in a delicate alpine setting.

Site Context and Concept

The design responds to the urgent need for responsible waste management in a region facing challenges due to human activity. The dry-stone wall serves as both a functional structure and a part of the landscape, using local construction methods that provide durability while harmonizing with the natural surroundings. This approach fosters a practical solution that respects the characteristics of the Himalayas while catering to the needs of climbers.

Design Features and Functionality

A significant aspect of the design is its emphasis on practicality for climbers. The facility enables users to store waste in designated areas that can be easily retrieved on their return from the summit. This makes sure that waste does not contaminate the environment and encourages climbers to take responsibility for their refuse. The design streamlines the waste management process and addresses the logistics presented by high-altitude expeditions.

Ventilation and Hygiene

To manage hygiene issues, the toilet facility includes natural ventilation through openings that allow air and light. This helps keep the environment clean, which is essential for users in a situation where sanitation is often difficult. By focusing on proper airflow, the design attends to both functionality and health needs, ensuring a comfortable experience for climbers.

Sustainability and Community Impact

The project also highlights sustainability by introducing the possibility of converting waste into organic fertilizers, benefiting local communities. This approach supports ecological principles and contributes to local farming practices, building a relationship between climbers and their environment. By combining waste management with environmental responsibility, the design advocates for a way of interacting with nature that minimizes harm.

The thoughtful integration of convenience and ecological awareness aims to foster a sustainable impact on one of the world’s most challenging terrains. The openness of the toilet shelter invites light and air, promoting both hygiene and a connection to the surrounding landscape.

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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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