Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Glass Dome Facility Offering Warmth and Privacy for Everest Climbers

Authors:
Namhoon Kim, Siwon Choi, Seunghyuk Jeong
Glass Dome Facility Offering Warmth and Privacy for Everest Climbers

Project in-detail

A glass dome illuminates a thoughtfully designed facility that prioritizes warmth and privacy for climbers facing the challenges of Everest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glass dome serves as a natural light source and visual landmark.
02
Hug concept fosters emotional comfort for climbers in harsh conditions.
03
Privacy windows block outside views while allowing natural light.
04
Waste separation system enhances hygiene and functionality.
05
Stairs designed for resting provide shelter and comfort.

The design is located at high altitudes on Everest and serves climbers navigating this challenging terrain. It focuses on providing essential facilities for rest and sanitation. The overall design centers around the idea of warmth and comfort, akin to a nurturing embrace. This approach aims to counterbalance the harsh conditions of the environment while allowing users to connect with the striking natural landscape around them.

Design Concept
The core idea highlights warmth as a crucial aspect for those exposed to extreme conditions. The metaphor of a “hug” underscores the intention to create a safe space for climbers. The design encourages an emotional response, offering shelter that feels secure within a demanding setting. It integrates with the surrounding landscape while providing breathtaking views, enhancing the climbers' experience in a significant way.

Spatial Arrangement
The interior layout is carefully arranged to accommodate practical needs. It allows for easy access to facilities such as restrooms while ensuring that activities can proceed without disruption. The dimensions of the space have been considered for efficient movement and use, tackling the limitations that come with high-altitude environments and allowing climbers to feel at ease.

Privacy and Light
Windows are designed to prioritize privacy and natural light. By blocking views at eye level, these windows create a sense of security for users. They let in sunlight, contributing to a more pleasant atmosphere. The incorporation of a light cylinder works to develop a warm ambiance within the facility, standing in contrast to the cold and isolation that climbers may encounter outside.

Comfort Features
A glass dome is a notable feature offering natural illumination and serving as a visual marker for the facility. Stairs grant access to the restroom, providing a sheltered resting space for users. The shape of the stairs creates an inviting feeling, which helps climbers manage their mental and physical fatigue in a harsh environment.

The design blends various elements to establish a supportive facility. Light from the floor enhances the warmth within the space, creating a sense of comfort while ensuring enough visibility for daily activities. The result is a pragmatic yet thoughtful approach to architecture in one of the world's most challenging regions.

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