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Mandala-Inspired Shelter Featuring Natural Stone Facade and Sustainable Photovoltaics

Authors:
Anna Bolotnikova, Konstantin Balin, Regina Lugmanova
Mandala-Inspired Shelter Featuring Natural Stone Facade and Sustainable Photovoltaics

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a mandala-inspired layout and constructed with a natural stone facade, the shelter harmonizes with its mountainous surroundings while providing essential accommodation for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mandala-inspired layout enhances spatial organization and promotes introspection.
02
Natural stone facade allows seamless integration with the mountainous landscape.
03
Solar energy harnessed through integrated photovoltaic panels.
04
Water management systems ensure responsible use and treatment of resources.
05
Large windows frame unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.

### Project Overview

The Mountain Hut is situated in an elevated region of Nepal, intended to accommodate trekkers and climbers navigating the expansive and rugged mountain ranges. This structure provides essential shelter while prioritizing an immersive experience in nature, guided by a design philosophy that emphasizes introspection and personal discovery. Drawing upon cultural motifs, the design facilitates a connection between users and their surroundings, enriching their journey through the landscape.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of the Mountain Hut is strategically crafted to maximize both functionality and user experience. It is divided into specific areas tailored for different purposes:

- **Living Quarters**: These spaces are designed for the comfort of trekkers, featuring cozy seating and storage solutions for climbing gear, allowing occupants to recover after their expeditions.

- **Staff Areas**: Designed as a base for operational staff, these areas ensure that efficient support services are readily available for guests.

- **Common Areas**: Focused on fostering community interaction, these spaces serve as venues for social engagement and shared culinary experiences, strengthening the communal atmosphere among climbers.

Thoughtful arrangement of windows and openings offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, reinforcing the connection to nature while promoting tranquility within the hut.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Materials used in the construction of the Mountain Hut have been carefully selected for their environmental and structural properties:

1. **Natural Stones**: Employed for the primary facade, these materials integrate the structure into the landscape while providing thermal stability in various weather conditions.

2. **Sandwich Panels**: These composites enhance insulation, maintaining warmth within the facility without compromising aesthetic appeal.

3. **Photovoltaic Panels**: Installed on the roof, these solar energy systems support the goal of self-sufficiency and align with sustainable practices.

4. **Wood**: Utilized extensively in interior spaces, wood adds warmth and comfort, balancing the rugged exterior with a homely ambiance.

5. **Reflective Materials**: Strategically placed, these elements enhance natural lighting, creating a bright and inviting environment.

6. **Water Management Systems**: Including reservoirs and treatment facilities for wastewater, these features reflect a commitment to ecological balance and responsible resource management.

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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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