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Polycarbonate Panels and Reinforced Timber Framework Create a Flexible Shelter in High-Altitude Terrain

Author:
Mislav Barada
Polycarbonate Panels and Reinforced Timber Framework Create a Flexible Shelter in High-Altitude Terrain
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Utilizing polycarbonate paneling and reinforced timber, the high-altitude shelter adapts to environmental challenges while providing a flexible living space for communal gathering and retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes double polycarbonate panels for enhanced insulation and natural light.
02
Features a modular design for flexible space utilization according to occupancy.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for sustainable resource management.
04
Includes movable sun protection panels integrated with solar cells for energy generation.
05
Emphasizes local sourcing of materials, promoting regional craftsmanship and reduced transport impact.

### Overview
Located in mountainous regions such as the Himalayas of Nepal, the high-altitude sustainable hut is designed to meet the challenges of extreme environments while prioritizing functionality and ecological integrity. Drawing inspiration from traditional Nepalese architectural practices, the design aims to create a minimalist shelter that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings and utilizes innovative construction methods to reduce environmental impact.

### Spatial Configuration
The hut employs a modular design that features folding room units, allowing for versatile spatial configurations that can accommodate 6 to 12 occupants. Each unit is lightweight and can be easily assembled by a small group, reflecting local building traditions. The interior space can be adapted for various functional scenarios, such as communal living or expanded common areas, depending on the number of occupants and activities. This flexibility supports efficient use of space while ensuring comfort.

### Material and Sustainability Strategies
The project incorporates a range of durable and sustainable materials, tailored for high-altitude conditions. The primary structure is composed of wooden frames, providing stability and support, while double polycarbonate paneling serves as the building envelope, facilitating natural light and thermal insulation. Solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic panels integrated into movable sun protection systems. Furthermore, the design emphasizes water conservation techniques, including rainwater collection and greywater recycling, which reduce reliance on local resources. These features reflect a commitment to minimizing the hut’s ecological footprint while ensuring a functional and resilient living environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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