Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Hexagonal Adobe Habitat With Teak And Sal Timber Integration In High-Altitude Environment

Authors:
ARUNIMA GANGULI, TANVI GUPTA, RAUNAK SINGH REKHI, PRABHNOOR SINGH
Hexagonal Adobe Habitat With Teak And Sal Timber Integration In High-Altitude Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating hexagonal modules crafted from adobe and enhanced with teak and sal timber, the design effectively addresses the challenges of high-altitude living while providing flexible residential spaces for communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal shapes optimize natural light and ventilation in high-altitude conditions.
02
Adobe construction utilizes local materials to enhance thermal performance.
03
Teak and sal timber are chosen for durability in extreme environments.
04
Modular design allows for flexible living spaces that can adapt over time.
05
Integrated communal areas foster social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview

Situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal, near the renowned Tilicho Peak, the design addresses the unique challenges of high-altitude living. The intent is to create a structure that harmonizes with its mountainous environment while employing sustainable materials and architectural strategies. The project emphasizes resilience and functionality, ensuring it meets the demanding climatic conditions of an elevation of approximately 7,000 meters.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The architectural layout employs radial planning to facilitate interconnected, modular units centered around a communal core. This design not only decreases the building's ecological footprint but also fosters social interaction through semi-open spaces that encourage communal living. Hexagonal units are arranged to optimize natural light and ventilation, providing a spatial experience that aligns with user needs while respecting the site's topography.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

The structure incorporates a variety of materials selected for their performance and local availability. A concrete base offers stability and thermal efficiency, while adobe bricks provide significant thermal mass conducive to temperature regulation. Teak and sal wood are utilized for their aesthetic and durable properties, contributing to both insulation and structural integrity. Additionally, juniper branches serve as an insulating layer in the walls, enhancing thermal comfort, and stone foundations support structural stability while integrating seamlessly with the local geology. This material strategy prioritizes sustainability by minimizing transportation impacts and supporting local employment in the construction process.

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