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Foldable Waste Solutions Using Recycled Plastic for High-Altitude Climbers

Author:
Ho kong Yung
Foldable Waste Solutions Using Recycled Plastic for High-Altitude Climbers

Project in-detail

With a foldable design made from recycled plastic, the portable sanitation units provide climbers on Mount Everest a practical and eco-friendly solution for effective waste management in the harsh high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for high-altitude use, allowing efficient transport and setup.
02
Made from recycled plastic to promote environmental sustainability.
03
Equipped with adjustable metal stakes for secure installation on uneven terrain.
04
Utilizes biodegradable bags to manage human waste responsibly.
05
Colorful exterior enhances visibility in the harsh mountain landscape.

The design project addresses the critical need for sanitation in the demanding environment of Mount Everest. It focuses on the creation of portable loos intended for climbers and trekkers navigating the rugged terrain. The design prioritizes functionality, mobility, and sustainable practices, ensuring hygiene requirements are met while minimizing environmental impact.

Structural Adaptability

The portable loos are designed to be foldable, allowing for easy transportation and setup at different elevations. Each unit comes with four adjustable metal stakes that secure the structure on uneven ground. This adaptability is essential to maintain stability in challenging conditions. Users can feel safe and comfortable, knowing the structure will provide reliable sanitation.

Waste Management Solutions

These units feature a toilet seat cover and a large hole for waste disposal, which encourages responsible management of human waste. Inside each portable loo, a retractable bucket holds biodegradable bags. Climbers can use these bags to collect waste during their journeys. This approach is environmentally sound, reducing the impact on the pristine surroundings of Mount Everest.

Material Selection

Colored, durable, recycled, lightweight molded plastic makes up the construction of the portable loos. This choice supports sustainability and functionality. Using recycled materials helps conserve resources while providing a design robust enough to endure high-altitude conditions. The materials reflect a commitment to both user needs and ecological responsibility.

Visibility and User Consideration

Visibility is an important aspect of the design. Bright colors are used to make the portable loos easily seen against the snowy backdrop of the mountains. This feature helps climbers quickly locate sanitation facilities when needed, while providing the privacy that is essential for their comfort. The design considers the user experience, ensuring access to hygienic facilities is both efficient and discreet.

The design integrates these features into a portable sanitation solution that enhances the experience of climbers while respecting the delicate environment of Mount Everest. It effectively addresses the challenge of human waste management in a high-altitude setting, contributing to the health and preservation of this unique 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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