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Sloping Roof Structure Crafted from Natural Stone and Timber for Sustainable Mountain Shelter

Authors:
James Dyson, James Dyson
Sloping Roof Structure Crafted from Natural Stone and Timber for Sustainable Mountain Shelter
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A sloping roof constructed from charred wooden shingles and a robust natural stone base forms an eco-sensitive mountain shelter designed for trekkers, emphasizing energy efficiency and communal living in a high-altitude environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior enhances durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates extensive natural stone elements for thermal mass and local aesthetic integration.
03
Features photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof design for renewable energy generation.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to optimize space while providing structural stability.
05
Designed for communal living, promoting social interactions among high-altitude trekkers.

### Project Overview
The Himalayan Mountain Hut, located in Nepal, provides a contemporary architectural response to the increasing demand for sustainable tourism in high-altitude regions. Designed to accommodate trekkers and climbers in the challenging Himalayan environment, the project blends traditional architectural principles with modern materials and technologies. The focus lies on environmental sensitivity and fostering community interactions, ensuring the structure's resilience against extreme climatic conditions while fulfilling functional and aesthetic requirements.

### Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates a "building within a building" framework, allowing for layered functionalities that enhance user convenience and promote social engagement. The robust central core supports timber sleeping decks that encircle it, facilitating efficient use of space. The sloping form addresses local meteorological challenges, such as heavy snowfall and wind, while symbolizing a sense of 'home' in the wilderness. Communal spaces designed for interaction are balanced with private sleeping areas, ensuring comfort and privacy for users.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The architectural integrity of the hut is achieved through the use of local materials combined with modern technological advances. Predominantly constructed with natural stone, the walls provide robust protection against harsh weather conditions while reflecting local building traditions. Timber is utilized for layered decking and interior finishes, offering warmth and ease of assembly in remote locations. The integration of photovoltaic panels enhances the hut's energy independence, while a glass facade maximizes sunlight and heat gain, creating an inviting atmosphere and promoting environmental comfort. Sustainable practices also include rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, contributing to minimal environmental impact and increasing the hut's self-sufficiency.

In total, the primary materials employed in the project are:
- Natural stone
- Timber (various finishes)
- Photovoltaic panels
- Glass
- Insulation materials

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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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