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Stained Glass Facade Enveloping Elevated Wooden Structure in Himalayan Wilderness

Author:
Tatiana Fokina
Stained Glass Facade Enveloping Elevated Wooden Structure in Himalayan Wilderness

Project in-detail

Elevated and supported above the snow-covered ground, the structure showcases a stained glass facade and wooden materials that harmonize with the Himalayan environment, providing a sustainable accommodation solution for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated construction on wooden poles minimizes environmental disruption in a snow-prone area.
02
Stained glass elements enhance natural light while blending with the mountainous landscape.
03
Combines traditional Nepalese architectural features with modern insulation techniques.
04
Utilizes mineral wool for thermal efficiency, ensuring comfort in extreme weather.
05
Central gallery design promotes communal interaction without sacrificing privacy.

## Overview

Located in the Himalayas, the mountain hut draws from traditional Nepalese architectural styles, particularly the pagoda form, while incorporating modern amenities suited for tourism. The design intent aims to effectively balance functionality and sustainability, creating a welcoming retreat for contemporary visitors while honoring regional architectural heritage.

### Spatial Strategy and Configuration

The hut's design features a pyramidal structure that aligns with the natural landscape, fostering visual coherence. A raised foundation facilitates snowmelt and rainwater passage, mitigating environmental impact. The spatial organization includes a technical floor that houses essential utilities, ensuring operational elements remain discreet. The second floor serves as a communal area, featuring a central kitchen and dining space, along with various bedrooms accommodating up to 12 occupants. Strategically placed bathrooms enhance privacy while maintaining accessibility.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials underpins the building’s sustainability and integration into the local environment. The primary structural framework consists of wooden beams and columns, providing a lightweight yet durable construction. Mineral wool insulation enhances energy efficiency with thicknesses of 150 mm and 200 mm. The exterior is clad in weather-resistant aluminum panels, designed to withstand the mountains' harsh climate. Interior finishes utilize plywood and boards, improving aesthetics and insulation. The inclusion of stained glass elements not only enriches the visual experience but also optimizes natural light. Additionally, solar panels installed on the roof support renewable energy use, aligning with environmentally conscious design principles.

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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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