Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Weather Harvesting Hut Crafted With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Azubike Ononye, Anna Haezebrouck, Obinna Nnamdi
Weather Harvesting Hut Crafted With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Harnessing natural elements through an innovative weather harvesting system, the hut utilizes cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles to create a functional refuge for climbers in the harsh Himalayan environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features an advanced weather harvesting system to optimize energy efficiency.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates the Venturi effect for improved natural ventilation.
04
Designed with a flexible interior layout to support various activities.
05
Set in the Himalayas, elevating its environmental sensitivity in extreme conditions.

## Project Overview

The Himalayan Mountain Hut is strategically located at an elevation of 4,600 meters in the Himalayan region, designed to serve climbers and adventurers in extreme conditions. The structure aims to meet the functional needs of its users while integrating harmoniously with the surrounding alpine landscape. The design reflects a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and user experience, ensuring a balance between utility and context.

### Sustainable Design Strategies

A central aspect of the hut’s design is its emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and functionality. The innovative weather harvesting system, which features solar panels and wind hoods, enhances energy efficiency by mitigating snow accumulation on the panels. Additionally, the integration of wind hoods utilizes the Venturi effect to optimize air circulation, contributing to effective thermoregulation and minimizing snow build-up. The interior layout is flexible, accommodating both staffed and unstaffed operations, with areas designated for communal dining, multifunctional uses, and relaxation.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration

The selection of materials plays a critical role in the hut's structural integrity and visual coherence with its environment. The use of stone in the base provides stability while seamlessly blending with the rocky terrain, whereas the upper structure employs wood to offer warmth and enhance aesthetic appeal. Large glass windows facilitate panoramic views and ample natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The overall design incorporates angular facades that reflect the jagged characteristics of the surrounding peaks, utilizing a subdued color palette that aligns with the earth tones of the landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy