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Inflatable Shelter Utilizing Recycled Textiles and Integrated Wind Turbines for Eco-Friendly Trekking

Authors:
Guenter Katherl, Anna Glajc, Kolja Janiszewski, Andreea Cebuc
Inflatable Shelter Utilizing Recycled Textiles and Integrated Wind Turbines for Eco-Friendly Trekking

Project in-detail

Harnessing the power of an inflatable structure made from recycled textiles, this sustainable mountain hut integrates wind turbines and a waste management system to provide eco-friendly accommodation for trekkers in the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with an inflatable shell made from recycled textiles to enhance portability.
02
Incorporates a built-in wind turbine to provide renewable energy for lighting and small appliances.
03
Features a waste management system that encourages trekkers to process their plastic waste on-site.
04
Designed to withstand extreme Himalayan weather conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
05
Utilizes local labor for construction to promote community engagement and economic development.

### Overview

The project addresses environmental challenges in the Nepalese Himalayas by focusing on sustainable shelter and waste management solutions tailored for trekkers. Located in a region characterized by extreme weather and remote accessibility, the design combines functionality with ecological accountability. The intention is to create a dwelling that serves both as an operational shelter and an educational resource that promotes environmental stewardship.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design features an inflatable shell structure, allowing for easy transportability and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. This approach not only enhances user experience by providing a flexible accommodation option for trekkers but also ensures resilience against severe weather patterns. Integration of a waste management system encourages trekkers to deposit plastic waste within the hut, which is then processed locally, promoting a responsible approach to waste disposal in an ecologically sensitive area.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Materials selected for construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and innovation. The primary components include recycled textiles sourced from plastic bottles, which form the outer layers of the hut; aluminum foil, which provides thermal insulation; and steel profiles that deliver structural stability. Additionally, a wind turbine is incorporated to generate renewable energy, allowing the hut to maintain operational efficiency. The use of recycled materials not only minimizes environmental impact but also aligns with the project’s mission to foster recycling and resource conservation within the Himalayan landscape.

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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

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