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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

Project in-detail

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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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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