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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

Project in-detail

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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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
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