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Hexagonal Pods with Etfe Roofing Crafted for High-Altitude Resilience

Authors:
Justin Runyowa, Lindsay Solomons, Jarryd Knight, Sean May
Hexagonal Pods with Etfe Roofing Crafted for High-Altitude Resilience
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Crafted from lightweight ETFE and featuring modular hexagonal pods, this mountain hut is designed for high-altitude resilience, providing essential shelter for hikers and mountaineers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from lightweight ETFE, the roofing allows for natural light while providing thermal insulation.
02
Hexagonal pod structure optimizes space and enhances structural integrity in rugged environments.
03
Flexible solar panels on the roof ensure a self-sufficient energy source for the hut.
04
High tensile stainless steel anchors adapt the structure to varying terrain conditions.
05
Local craftsmanship is incorporated in the modular design, promoting regional building techniques.

### Project Overview

Located in the Himalayan region, the structure is designed as a mountain hut to accommodate hikers and mountaineers. The concept emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape while addressing the physical and psychological needs of its users. Through the application of advanced materials and modular design principles, the facility promotes sustainability and fosters a sense of community engagement.

### Materiality and Structural Strategy

The design employs a range of carefully selected materials to enhance both functionality and aesthetic value. ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) serves as the primary material for the domed roof, allowing natural light to enter while providing essential thermal insulation. The transparent nature of ETFE facilitates occupants' connection to their environment. Aluminum is utilized for the structural framework, enabling ease of transport and installation in the remote mountain setting. Sandwich insulated panels provide durability and thermal efficiency, ensuring comfortable indoor conditions while reducing energy consumption.

Additionally, flexible solar panels integrated into the dome harvest renewable energy, significantly minimizing the hut's carbon footprint. High tensile stainless steel anchors are incorporated to stabilize the structure against the extreme weather conditions typical of the region, with the flexibility to adapt to varying terrain.

### Adaptable User Experience

The architectural design results in modular units that can be reconfigured based on user requirements. Each pod is designed to function either independently or in groups to create larger communal spaces. The adaptability of the design accommodates various uses, including sleeping areas and gathering spaces, allowing for responsive adjustments to the needs of occupants. Sustainability is central to the design, as the facility aims for self-sufficiency through renewable energy sources and efficient waste management practices.

The hexagonal form of the pods not only echoes the structural inspiration of a beehive but also maximizes space efficiency, optimizing both functionality and integration into the natural landscape. The choice of local materials and traditional construction techniques further supports a sustainable approach while reinforcing cultural context in the design process.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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