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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

Project in-detail

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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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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