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Thinned Wood Construction with Overlapping Roofs in a Sustainable Mountain Habitat

Author:
KOHKI HIRANUMA
Thinned Wood Construction with Overlapping Roofs in a Sustainable Mountain Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing thinned wood and modular assembly, the design integrates overlapping roofs to manage environmental elements efficiently, creating a sustainable habitat for trekkers in the Himalayan landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes thinned wood, a material often discarded in construction, promoting sustainability.
02
Designed with overlapping roofs that effectively manage rain and snow accumulation.
03
Features a modular assembly system allowing for rapid construction by hand in remote locations.
04
Gaps in the wall panels enhance natural ventilation and light penetration throughout the structure.
05
Incorporates panoramic glass panels to connect interior spaces with the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

# Analytical Report: The Forest Hut - Himalayan Mountain Hut

## Project Overview

Located in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, the Forest Hut serves as a sustainable architectural response to the unique challenges posed by its mountainous environment. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the surrounding natural landscape, focusing on minimal environmental impact and innovative construction solutions. Through careful consideration of materiality and form, the project aims to enhance both functionality and ecological sensitivity.

## Material Efficiency and Construction Techniques

The hut features a distinctive material palette that prioritizes sustainability. Thinned wood, often considered waste, is repurposed to create structural elements, showcasing both aesthetic and functional qualities. The incorporation of threaded rods facilitates the assembly of modular components, enabling efficient construction without the reliance on heavy machinery. The foundation utilizes crushed stone to maintain soil breathability, while large glass panels enhance natural light infiltration and provide expansive views of the breathtaking landscape.

The construction strategy involves stacking and securing segments of thinned wood to form wall panels that allow for light penetration and air circulation. This innovative approach not only reduces material waste but also promotes energy efficiency, allowing for a quick assembly process suited for remote locations. The design encourages an engaging interior atmosphere, with an open-plan layout that fosters social interaction and connects occupants to the majestic surroundings.

## Design Attributes and User Experience

Characterized by a silhouette that reflects the local topography, the Forest Hut incorporates a series of tilted roofs designed to manage rain and snow runoff. The interior is thoughtfully arranged to create an inviting environment with rich wooden finishes, maximizing natural views through strategically placed glass integrations. The gaps between wall segments serve dual purposes: allowing light to filter in and providing thermal insulation.

The adaptable design supports various functions, from a simple resting point for trekkers to a communal gathering space. This flexibility ensures that the hut can accommodate evolving user needs while maintaining a responsible focus on ecological principles, ultimately enriching the experience of those who inhabit it.

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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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