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Geometric Refuge With Elevated Air Chambers and Reinforced Concrete Shelter in the Himalayas

Authors:
Pilar Giraldo Rivera, Efraín Cardenas Osorio, Jose Miguel Hurtado Henao, Diana Alejandra Tabarquino Mora
Geometric Refuge With Elevated Air Chambers and Reinforced Concrete Shelter in the Himalayas

Project in-detail

Elevated air chambers and a geometric roof design create a resilient structure that harmonizes with the Himalayan landscape, serving as a vital refuge for mountaineers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated air chambers prevent cold air infiltration, enhancing thermal comfort.
02
Geometric roof design optimizes ventilation and wind resistance.
03
Reinforced concrete construction ensures stability under heavy snow loads.
04
Natural materials, including wood and stone, seamlessly blend with the landscape.
05
Adaptable blueprint allows for replication in various mountainous terrains.

### Project Overview
The EK Hut is situated at the base of Paldor Peak in the Himalayan range of Nepal, designed to serve as a sturdy sanctuary for climbers during inclement weather. The project aims to create a functional refuge that balances structural integrity and contemporary aesthetics, addressing the unique challenges posed by the high-altitude environment.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The structure is configured over two levels to enhance functionality and comfort for its occupants. The first floor contains communal spaces, including a social area with a fireplace, a kitchen, and a dining area, fostering interaction among users. Additionally, it features a circulation core designed as a thermal buffer and windbreak, facilitating ease of movement. The second floor consists of individual rooms, oriented to maximize natural light and warmth, providing private spaces that encourage rest and recovery.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material choices for the EK Hut reflect both durability and sensitivity to the environment. Key elements include reinforced concrete for its structural resilience against snow loads and winds, wood for interior finishes offering warmth, and stone for the foundational base, which harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Steel reinforcements support the distinctive roof structure. The design emphasizes sustainability through passive solar gain and effective thermal insulation strategies, notably utilizing air chambers that enhance comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

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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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