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Mud Brick Structure with Natural Stone and Timber Integration for Mountain Shelter

Authors:
Ian Nazareth, Karan Shrestha, Natasha Maben
Mud Brick Structure with Natural Stone and Timber Integration for Mountain Shelter
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Constructed with locally sourced mud brick and stone, this mountain shelter skillfully integrates timber framing to provide a sustainable refuge for trekkers in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using high-altitude mud brick to optimize thermal performance.
02
Incorporates locally sourced stone to enhance structural integrity and aesthetics.
03
Features a central courtyard design to promote community interaction among users.
04
Utilizes passive solar strategies for natural heating and ventilation throughout the year.
05
Adaptable sleeping quarters designed for flexibility in accommodation styles.

### Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is situated in the northern region of Nepal, within the challenging yet striking landscape of the Himalayan range. This architectural design aims to provide essential shelter and services for trekkers and climbers while addressing the unique environmental conditions of the region. The project emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and its geographic context, integrating adaptive elements that support human activity in this rugged terrain.

### Spatial Configuration and Interaction

The layout of the hut diverges from conventional designs by incorporating a central courtyard that promotes social interaction among visitors while maintaining views of the surrounding mountains. The entrance is intentionally designed to create an inviting atmosphere, countering the sense of confinement often associated with high-altitude structures. Ground-level access facilitates movement through shared indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for meaningful engagement with the natural landscape. The upper levels include semi-private zones that serve both communal and individual functions, featuring large windows that provide natural light and panoramic vistas characteristic of the Himalayan experience.

### Material and Sustainability

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the sustainability and aesthetics of the hut. High-altitude mud bricks reflect local building traditions while offering insulation and resilience against severe weather conditions. Locally sourced stone further enhances the building's connection to the mountainous setting, providing durability and a sense of permanence. Sustainably harvested timber is utilized for structural components and finishes, blending modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, masonry elements are integrated to improve thermal performance, ensuring a comfortable interior climate for occupants. The design also employs passive solar principles and strategic openings to optimize natural ventilation, addressing the challenges posed by the Himalayan climate.

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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.

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