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Elliptical Shelter Crafted with Local Timber and Sustainable Insulation in the Himalayas

Author:
Luka Pavelka
Elliptical Shelter Crafted with Local Timber and Sustainable Insulation in the Himalayas

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced timber and featuring an elliptical shape, this sustainable mountain shelter integrates advanced insulation techniques to provide a comfortable refuge for adventurers in the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and internal space.
04
Utilizes advanced insulation methods tailored to the Himalayan climate conditions.
05
Designed with a circular layout promoting community interaction among occupants.

### Project Overview

The Nepali Mountain Cloud is situated in the Himalayan region of Nepal, designed as a shelter for mountaineers while reflecting local cultural motifs and natural landscape features. Drawing inspiration from traditional Ghurung Ghar houses, the structure integrates vernacular architectural principles with contemporary design elements, establishing a connection to its environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The building utilizes a palette of locally sourced materials, including wood for structural framing and finishes, prefabricated panels for efficient thermal performance, insulation for cold weather resilience, stone for foundational support, and steel for structural integrity. This selection prioritizes not only aesthetic coherence with the surrounding landscape but also energy efficiency and sustainability, addressing the unique climatic challenges of the region.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout is organized around a central circular space that radiates outward to various functional areas, including living quarters with panoramic views, equipment storage, sanitation facilities, and communal spaces that encourage social interaction. This radial design promotes a fluid circulation pattern, enhancing usability while fostering community engagement among occupants. The integration of strategically placed windows optimizes natural light and controls heat loss, further contributing to occupant comfort within the mountainous terrain.

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

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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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