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Elevated Retreat Featuring Laminated Timber and Kalwall Panels for Year-Round Sustainability

Authors:
James Jones, James Jones, Petrina Moore
Elevated Retreat Featuring Laminated Timber and Kalwall Panels for Year-Round Sustainability

Project in-detail

An elevated shelter constructed with laminated timber and Kalwall panels optimizes thermal performance while fostering community interaction for users in the Himalayan environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes site impact while enhancing accessibility in heavy snowfall.
02
Laminated timber structure provides strength with a lightweight framework.
03
Kalwall panels facilitate natural light diffusion while ensuring insulation.
04
Adaptable interior layout supports various group sizes and functions.
05
Low-sloped roof captures snow for improved insulation and water collection.
The Himalayan Mountain Hut is an architectural project that aims to provide a sustainable and adaptable shelter in the challenging environment of the Himalayas. The design focuses on functionality and environmental responsiveness, targeting the needs of trekkers and other users in extreme conditions. This project effectively combines innovative materials with a thoughtful layout to enhance user experience while minimizing environmental impact.

Design Approach and Unique Features

One notable aspect of the Himalayan Mountain Hut is its elevated structure, which minimizes site disruption and allows for year-round accessibility. The hut utilizes laminated timber for the primary structural framework, enabling a strong yet lightweight construction. This approach supports a modular design that facilitates easy assembly in a remote setting, requiring only a helicopter for transportation of components.

The incorporation of Kalwall panels as part of the exterior cladding is equally significant. These translucent insulation panels enhance thermal performance and natural light diffusion without compromising privacy. The low-sloped roof design captures snow, contributing to both insulation and water collection, aligning with local environmental conditions. The building's footprint is intentionally minimized to reduce its environmental impact while providing sufficient shelter and communal spaces.

Interior Layout and Functionality

Internally, the layout is designed for versatility. Spaces can be reconfigured to serve various purposes, including sleeping areas, cooking zones, and communal gathering spots. This flexibility is essential for accommodating different group sizes and activities throughout the year. The strategic placement of operable strip windows fosters ventilation while ensuring unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.

Overall, the Himalayan Mountain Hut reflects a practical architectural approach that prioritizes sustainability and functionality. The careful selection of materials and design strategies responds effectively to the unique challenges of the Himalayan environment. The project exemplifies how architecture can adapt to geographical constraints while fulfilling user needs.

For a deeper understanding of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore more about this innovative design. The specific architectural ideas employed in the Himalayan Mountain Hut invite further examination and discussion, highlighting its contribution to contemporary shelter solutions in extreme conditions.
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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
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