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Lightweight Shelter Featuring Composite Panels and Solar Energy Solutions for Emergency Use in Alpine Environments

Author:
yussef bravo
Lightweight Shelter Featuring Composite Panels and Solar Energy Solutions for Emergency Use in Alpine Environments

Project in-detail

Constructed with lightweight metal frames and composite panels, this shelter integrates solar energy solutions to provide a vital emergency refuge for climbers in the challenging conditions of the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lightweight metal frames enable easy transport and quick assembly at high altitudes.
02
Composite panels provide efficient insulation against extreme mountain temperatures.
03
Solar energy systems support autonomous operation in remote locations.
04
Allocated space for medical supplies enhances emergency response capabilities.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes stability and wind resistance in harsh conditions.

The Safe Haven Himalayan Mountain Hut is located in the Himalayan mountains and serves as a refuge for trekkers and mountaineers. The project's objective is to enhance safety for climbers facing hazardous conditions by providing strategically positioned shelters that facilitate rescue operations and emergency responses. The hut is designed to withstand the challenging mountain environment, offering essential amenities for survival and medical assistance during crises.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The design adopts a mobile approach, allowing the hut to be deployed at various high-altitude locations that are critical to trekking routes. This strategic placement not only enhances accessibility for climbers but also functions as a communication hub for rescue efforts. The interior layout includes sleep quarters equipped with bunk beds for up to seven occupants, a dedicated medical area stocked with emergency supplies, and storage spaces for food and other necessary provisions. The incorporation of satellite communication systems allows for direct contact with rescue services, thereby improving response times in emergencies.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction materials selected for the Safe Haven are lightweight yet robust, designed to reduce the ecological footprint while ensuring durability in extreme conditions. The use of lightweight metal frames provides structural integrity without adding unnecessary weight, while composite panels offer necessary insulation and weather resistance. Sustainable wood enhances interior warmth, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere, and solar panels are integrated to ensure a self-sufficient energy source in remote locations. Transparent high-performance glazing is employed to optimize natural light and thermal efficiency, creating a functional and inviting environment for users.

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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
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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