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Pentagonal Lodges Crafted With Sustainable Steel and Natural Wood for Himalayan Trekkers

Authors:
Sandra Soehnel, Axel Hess
Pentagonal Lodges Crafted With Sustainable Steel and Natural Wood for Himalayan Trekkers

Project in-detail

Crafted from a unique pentagonal design, these sustainable lodges utilize wood and steel to provide functional and communal spaces for trekkers in the Himalayan region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with a pentagonal shape to enhance structural integrity and energy efficiency.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for increased durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainable living.
04
Features an open communal space designed to foster social interaction among users.
05
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for improved thermal performance.

## Overview
Located in the Himalayan region, the project comprises a series of sustainable, multifunctional lodges designed to serve trekkers and mountaineers. The design emphasizes resilience and adaptability within an extreme environment, aiming to create a harmonious relationship between the structures and their natural surroundings. The architectural concept is grounded in spiritual symbolism, particularly the significance of the angle measurement of 108 degrees, which is reflected in the geometric forms and the project's environmental ethos.

## Functional Zoning
The lodges are organized across three distinct levels to optimize user experience and functionality. The ground floor features an entry zone with sanitary facilities and a resting area for immediate guest comfort. The first floor serves as a communal space, including a common room, kitchen, and dining area, designed to encourage social interaction among visitors. A central stove acts as both a heating source and a gathering point. The second floor accommodates dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, maximizing capacity and comfort with the inclusion of bunk beds and additional amenities.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The structural composition of the lodges includes a variety of materials that prioritize both performance and environmental integration. Wood serves as the primary structural element, chosen for its transportability and alignment with the natural surroundings. Corrugated steel sheets provide external cladding, contributing to insulation and structural resilience under extreme weather conditions. Thermal efficiency is further enhanced by fiberglass insulation. Sustainable energy solutions are central to the design, with solar panels and wind turbines incorporated to harness renewable resources. Additionally, the project implements snowmelt and rainwater harvesting systems to supply drinking water, reducing its overall ecological footprint. The façade features windows that echo the national flag of Nepal, reinforcing cultural significance while merging contemporary design with local heritage.

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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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