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Tensile Membrane Structure With Rainwater Harvesting for Himalayan Refuge

Authors:
Qihong Wang, Hongyi Zhuang
Tensile Membrane Structure With Rainwater Harvesting for Himalayan Refuge

Project in-detail

Crafted with a tensile membrane structure and integrated rainwater harvesting, the design provides a resilient refuge for trekkers in the challenging Himalayan environment, emphasizing adaptability and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a tensile membrane structure to adapt to varying weather conditions.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Features a multi-layer curtain system to modulate light and privacy effectively.
04
Constructed with local crushed stone to enhance environmental integration.
05
Design prioritizes modularity, allowing for flexible spatial configurations.

### Project Overview
Located in the high-altitude landscapes of Nepal, the design addresses the unique challenges posed by diverse climatic conditions and traditional architectural influences of the region. The structure is intended to provide a refuge for trekkers and explorers, fostering a connection to the surrounding mountainous environment while ensuring both functionality and comfort.

### Structural Configuration
**Core Layout and Modularity:**
The design features a layout structured around three distinct cores that cater to different functional needs: communal spaces, semi-private areas, and fully private quarters. This arrangement allows for a variety of interactions and levels of privacy, accommodating diverse visitor requirements. A modular approach enables the building to adapt to the region's unpredictable weather, providing spaces for both communal gatherings and individual reflection.

**Curtain System Innovation:**
A notable element of the design is the multi-layer curtain system, which offers occupants the ability to control light, privacy, and airflow. Different transparency levels allow for adjusting atmospheres in communal, semi-private, and private areas, enhancing user experience and flexibility within the space.

### Environmental Sustainability
**Responsive Design Elements:**
The project incorporates a tensile membrane structure that can adapt to varying weather conditions, maintaining comfort during both sunny and inclement weather. Sustainable systems, such as a rainwater harvesting mechanism and the integration of wind turbines, aim to establish energy self-sufficiency while minimizing ecological impact.

**Material Choice:**
The construction employs locally sourced materials including concrete for structural integrity, crushed stone for exterior walls, screw steel wire for internal frames, and wood to add warmth to interior spaces. These choices reflect a commitment to environmental integration, reinforcing the building's connection to its surroundings while ensuring durability against the region's harsh conditions.

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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
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