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Elevated Timber Pavilion Crafted with Translucent Panels for Mountain Shelter

Authors:
James Jones, James Jones, Petrina Moore
Elevated Timber Pavilion Crafted with Translucent Panels for Mountain Shelter
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Elevated above the snowpack, the cantilevered structure features laminated timber and translucent panels, providing a resilient shelter that harmonizes with the harsh Himalayan environment for trekkers and staff.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes snow accumulation, enhancing safety and stability.
02
Utilizes laminated timber for structural support while reducing weight.
03
Translucent panels strategically placed to maximize natural light and insulation.
04
Prefabricated components enable efficient assembly in remote locations.
05
Crafted for flexibility, allowing adaptation to varying occupancy needs.

### Overview
Located in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas, the Himalayan Mountain Hut serves as a purpose-built shelter designed to accommodate the needs of trekkers and staff while tackling the region's extreme climatic conditions. The project prioritizes efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability, aiming to provide a robust structure able to withstand harsh weather while offering a comfortable living environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The design employs a flexible pavilion concept, featuring modular configurations that facilitate the extrusion and subdivision of interior spaces to suit varying requirements. Key functional areas include airlock zones, sleeping platforms, and communal cooking spaces, all strategically planned to ensure usability throughout the year. The incorporation of cantilevered floors and roofs creates sheltered outdoor areas that enhance operational capacity and improve user experience. The low-slung roof form is intentionally designed to optimize thermal performance by minimizing ceiling heights, addressing the thermal challenges unique to high-altitude climates.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainable construction practices while ensuring durability and functional efficiency. Laminated timber serves as the primary structural framework due to its strength and lightweight properties. Translucent Kalwall panels and strip windows are integral to the building envelope, providing natural light and thermal insulation while maintaining privacy. The use of steel in mechanical fixtures enhances the structural integrity of the hut, while timber adds warmth to the interior aesthetics. The architectural strategy also incorporates renewable energy solutions, such as provisions for solar panels, to align with ecological considerations and support sustainable living practices.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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