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Inflatable Shelters Featuring Polycarbonate and Wood for High-Altitude Trekking Communities

Authors:
Seona Kim, Hyeongwon Yang, Subin Lee
Inflatable Shelters Featuring Polycarbonate and Wood for High-Altitude Trekking Communities
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Inflatable units crafted from polycarbonate and wood create a flexible, sustainable shelter solution for trekkers in the challenging environment of the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inflatable units allow for rapid assembly and disassembly in variable terrains.
02
Hydrothermal heating uses waste heat from cooking to warm communal spaces.
03
Modular design accommodates varying group sizes and promotes community engagement.
04
Sustainably sourced wood enhances structural insulation and environmental performance.
05
Air-filled insulation layers improve thermal efficiency in extreme cold conditions.

### Project Overview

"Many Airs as One" is designed for high-altitude trekkers in the Himalayas, focusing on providing shelter, sustenance, and safety in challenging environmental conditions. The project emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, addressing the unique requirements of outdoor enthusiasts traversing one of the world's harshest terrains. By utilizing innovative design strategies, the structure aims to facilitate both individual comfort and communal interaction.

### Spatial and Thermal Strategy

The design incorporates a series of interconnected inflatable units termed "Air Huts," which can function independently or combine to form larger shelters. This modular approach allows for shared thermal properties, optimizing insulation and warmth in temperatures that often plunge below freezing at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters. Consequently, the layout promotes social gathering by centralizing communal spaces, such as a kitchen area, which serves as a heat source and a hub for interaction. Individual accommodations reflect a balance of privacy and communal experience, with sleeping units designed for efficient thermal insulation.

### Material Application

The selection of materials is crucial for addressing high-altitude challenges. Key components include polycarbonate film for its lightweight and weather-resistant qualities, sustainably sourced timber for structural support, and multiple air-filled layers to enhance thermal performance. Additionally, the design integrates a heating system that utilizes hot water pipes to circulate warmth from the kitchen to living spaces. This combination of materials not only ensures durability but also contributes to the overall efficiency and comfort of the units, adapting effectively to the extreme elements of the Himalayan environment.

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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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