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Sustainable Shelter Crafted From Local Stone With Metal Cladding For High-Altitude Climbers

Authors:
Clare Murray, Daniel Liston, Davide Bello, Will Mackey
Sustainable Shelter Crafted From Local Stone With Metal Cladding For High-Altitude Climbers

Project in-detail

Constructed from local stone and protected by metal cladding, the climbers' hut integrates seamlessly into the rugged mountain landscape while providing essential shelter and communal space for high-altitude trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced stone to blend seamlessly into the mountainous terrain.
02
Features metal cladding for durable protection against extreme weather conditions.
03
Incorporates a modular design, allowing for adaptable interior spaces based on climber needs.
04
Utilizes a rainwater collection system to ensure water availability at high altitudes.
05
Designed with large glazed windows to maximize natural light and panoramic views of the landscape.

**Project Overview**

"A House Half Way," situated in the mountainous region of Palor, Nepal, is designed to address the unique challenges faced by climbers in extreme environments. This project reinterprets traditional climbers' huts, aiming to create a habitable space that combines functionality with a respectful integration into the surrounding landscape. The facility caters to climbers by providing essential support and rest areas during their ascent.

**Spatial Organization and Functionality**

The design utilizes a modular approach, consisting of distinct components that facilitate both accommodation and communal interaction. Accommodation modules provide climbers with restful spaces, enhanced by natural lighting and scenic views. Service modules encompass cooking, washing, and social areas, encouraging community engagement. The layout prioritizes a dynamic interaction between guests and the environment, with the ground floor dedicated to functional service areas and the upper level featuring communal spaces that promote socialization among climbers. Organic access paths lead to the structure, aligning with the natural movement patterns of users and minimizing intrusion in the landscape.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Local stone forms the foundation and walls, providing durability and a connection to the region, while local artisans contribute to preserving traditional craftsmanship. Low-maintenance metal cladding offers weather protection, and high-performance thermal insulation enhances energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of lightweight photovoltaic fabric and high-performance glazed windows supports natural lighting and harnesses solar energy. Water management systems designed for rainwater collection and energy solutions reliant on solar power further underscore the project's commitment to ecological responsibility, ensuring that both climbers' needs and environmental stewardship are met.

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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

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