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Pyramidal Restroom Structure Crafted With Sustainable Timber and Eco-Friendly Materials

Authors:
Clémence Gavel, Kenza Stiki, Coraline Naturel
Pyramidal Restroom Structure Crafted With Sustainable Timber and Eco-Friendly Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted from sustainable timber with a unique pyramidal design, this foldable restroom unit not only enhances user comfort but also harmonizes with the rugged landscape of the Himalayas, offering essential sanitation in remote environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that facilitates snow shedding in harsh weather.
04
Designed to be fully foldable, allowing for easy transport and rapid deployment in remote locations.
05
Includes an efficient ventilation system to maintain air quality and user comfort.
The project represents a thoughtful approach to sanitation in remote and high-altitude regions, a subject that often gets overlooked in architectural discourse. Its central feature is a foldable toilet unit designed specifically for challenging environments, such as those found in the Himalayas. The architecture serves to provide essential sanitation facilities while minimizing environmental impact, proving that functionality and ecological sensitivity can coexist.

This design functions primarily as a portable restroom solution that effectively addresses the needs of users in extreme conditions. Traditional sanitation options are frequently impractical in such locations, where logistical challenges, harsh weather, and landscape disruption are all critical considerations. The toilet unit offers a compact structure that can be transported easily, allowing for rapid deployment without the need for extensive construction or alteration of the natural terrain.

The essential elements of the project include its innovative foldable feature, which distinguishes it from conventional toilet facilities. When not in use, the unit can be collapsed, making it easier to transport to remote locations while also taking up minimal space. This design approach reflects a conscious intention to reduce the physical footprint of the structure on the landscape, which aligns with sustainable architecture principles.

The structure achieves durability and efficiency through carefully selected materials. The walls consist of sustainable wood, providing both structural integrity and a natural aesthetic, establishing a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment. The roof is designed using transparent materials such as glass or polycarbonate, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. This choice enhances the user experience by creating a more pleasant atmosphere inside the unit, minimizing the feel of confinement typically associated with portable toilets.

The integration of an effective ventilation system represents another important aspect of the design. It addresses common issues related to odors and air quality, which can be heightened in enclosed spaces. This feature demonstrates how architectural ideas can prioritize user comfort without losing sight of functionality.

Energy generation is another key component of the overall architectural design. The implementation of a generator capable of utilizing renewable energy sources underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. This element not only powers the lighting within the unit but also enables additional features that enhance the user experience, making the facility more versatile and accommodating.

What sets this project apart is its holistic design approach, which carefully considers the interaction between the built environment and the natural world. The pyramidal roof profile’s design is tailored for snow shedding, essential in high-altitude settings, ensuring that the unit functions effectively in varying weather conditions. This consideration reflects a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the target geographical areas.

The project embodies several unique design approaches that make it not merely a functional tool but also an integrated part of the landscape. By prioritizing ecological respect and user experience, the project shows how architecture can adapt to the needs of its surroundings.

For further insights into this innovative architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and additional architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This deeper dive will reveal further architectural ideas that enhance our understanding of the design’s impact within its context and its potential applications in remote sanitation solutions.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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