Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Lightweight Structure with Nepalese Wood and Solar Panels for Remote Sanitation

Author:
Nathan Chiu
Lightweight Structure with Nepalese Wood and Solar Panels for Remote Sanitation

Project in-detail

Constructed with a lightweight structure and local Nepalese wood, this facility incorporates solar panels and composting toilet technology to effectively address health and sanitation needs in a high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed for quick assembly and disassembly in remote locations.
02
Utilizes lightweight components for transportation by helicopter or yaks.
03
Integrates composting toilet technology to minimize environmental impact.
04
Incorporates solar panels for sustainable energy generation.
05
Designed specifically for high-altitude health and sanitation needs.

The Sagarmatha Snowdrift Sanctuary is a carefully designed facility located on the slopes of Mt. Everest, aimed at meeting important health and sanitation needs in a challenging environment. It serves multiple functions, acting as both a health station and a sanitation facility. The design concept focuses on resilience and sustainability, ensuring that the structure is effective while also being mindful of the ecological requirements of the area.

Design Concept

The primary design of the Sagarmatha Snowdrift Sanctuary emphasizes its role as a multifunctional health and sanitation station. The layout prioritizes easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for rapid deployment when necessary. Thoughtful organization within the space enhances accessibility, ensuring that users can navigate it efficiently and comfortably.

Material Selection

Materials play a significant role in the building's effectiveness and relevance. Steel is used for its strength, which is essential given the conditions at high altitudes. Local Nepalese wood is incorporated to establish a connection to the surroundings, respecting both culture and environment. Additionally, solar photovoltaic panels generate renewable energy for the facility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable design.

Functional Features

A key feature of the sanctuary is its composting toilet technology, which aligns with the goals of the Gorakshep Processing Facility. This innovative approach addresses sanitation issues without harming the ecosystem, which is crucial in such a fragile setting.

The design accommodates the need for mobility as well. The sanctuary's components are light enough to be carried by helicopter or yaks, making transportation feasible in this remote location.

The building's exterior is robust yet simple, blending into its mountainous surroundings while fulfilling the required functions of a health and sanitation station. This attention to detail ensures that it serves its purpose effectively, all while being situated in the demanding conditions found at Mt. Everest.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy