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Gabion-Walled Retreat Built with Local Stone and Bamboo Finishes for High-Altitude Living

Authors:
David Müller, Marine Skolka
Gabion-Walled Retreat Built with Local Stone and Bamboo Finishes for High-Altitude Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced stone and flexible bamboo finishes, this high-altitude complex integrates gabion walls for seismic stability while offering communal living spaces tailored for diverse occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local stone, enhancing both stability and integration with the landscape.
02
Gabion walls designed to improve seismic resilience in a high-altitude environment.
03
Bamboo finishes provide lightweight aesthetics while contributing to insulation.
04
Flexible spatial layout allows adaptation for varying group sizes and seasonal needs.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems implemented for sustainable resource management.

## Architectural Design Report: High-Altitude Mountain Structure

### Project Overview

The project is a high-altitude mountain structure located in the Himalayas, designed to address the unique challenges of building in extreme conditions. It prioritizes durability, functionality, and environmental harmony through the use of innovative construction methods and locally sourced materials aimed at enhancing resilience in this rugged landscape.

### Spatial Configuration

The architectural plan incorporates a central grouping of essential services around a communal area, facilitating social interaction among occupants while offering variations in living arrangements. This design supports a flexible spatial distribution, allowing spaces to adapt to fluctuating needs throughout different seasons and occupancy levels. By integrating the natural terrain into the layout, the structure enhances its contextual relevance and fosters a sense of community.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials underscores the project’s sustainability ethos. Gabion walls constructed from wire mesh filled with local stone provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact. Additional materials include bamboo veneer for interior and exterior finishes, hemp wool insulation for energy efficiency, and sheet steel for durability in exposed conditions. The design also incorporates renewable energy systems such as solar panels and rainwater collection mechanisms, reinforcing a commitment to resource management and ecological sensitivity. This holistic approach aims to reduce the building's carbon footprint while seamlessly integrating it into the local landscape.

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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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