Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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

Project in-detail

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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy