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Waste Management Hubs Constructed With Local Stone and Engineered Wood in the Himalayas

Author:
Thomas Cheney
Waste Management Hubs Constructed With Local Stone and Engineered Wood in the Himalayas

Project in-detail

Constructed with local stone and engineered wood, these mountain huts integrate effective waste management systems and sustainable energy solutions, providing essential shelter for trekkers in the Himalayas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone to blend seamlessly with the environment.
02
Engineered wood beams provide structural support while enhancing thermal efficiency.
03
Integrated solar panels ensure renewable energy supply for functionality.
04
Waste management systems minimize ecological impact in a remote setting.
05
Common areas facilitate social interaction among visitors, enhancing community experience.

**Overview**
The New Mountain Hut project in the Himalayas of Nepal comprises two distinct facilities—Mountain Hut 1 and Mountain Hut 2—designed to provide shelter and accommodation for trekkers and climbers navigating the region's rugged terrain. The design integrates environmental considerations, local cultural influences, and practical functionality, enhancing the experience of visitors while respecting the natural landscape.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
Both huts feature efficient spatial arrangements, optimizing utility while promoting social interaction. Mountain Hut 1 includes multiple accommodation spaces and communal dining areas, designed to foster engagement among guests. Interior spaces are enhanced by natural wood finishes and large windows that offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

**Material and Environmental Strategy**
The material selection employs local resources to ensure durability and ecological sensitivity. Robust external walls are constructed from locally sourced stone, while engineered wood frames enhance thermal efficiency. Galvanized steel is used to reinforce structural connections against heavy snow loads, and fiber cement panels serve as a weather-resistant façade that reflects local aesthetics. Additionally, solar photovoltaic panels and snowmelt collection systems illustrate a commitment to sustainability, optimizing the huts' functionality while minimizing ecological footprints. Integral wastewater treatment modules further address resource management in this remote setting.

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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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