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Weatherproof Shelter Constructed With Reinforced Walls and Eco-Friendly Materials For High-Altitude Resilience

Authors:
Fajarsah Ananta, Fajarsah Ananta, Justyna Fleszar
Weatherproof Shelter Constructed With Reinforced Walls and Eco-Friendly Materials For High-Altitude Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with weatherproof reinforced walls and sustainable adobe materials, this mountain shelter is designed to provide resilient refuge in high-altitude environments, prioritizing community and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with reinforced weatherproof walls to withstand extreme mountain conditions.
02
Utilizes sustainable adobe materials for enhanced thermal insulation.
03
Incorporates a modular design for easy assembly and customization.
04
Features integrated rainwater collection systems for self-sufficiency.
05
Includes communal living spaces to foster social interaction among residents.

**Overview**
The zaraNa Mountain Shelter is a prototype designed for high-altitude environments, specifically to meet the needs of individuals in challenging climatic conditions. It integrates functional and sustainable elements with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and adaptability. Suitable for deployment in mountainous regions such as the Himalayas or the Andes, the shelter is created to withstand extreme weather and seismic activities, reinforcing its relevance in contemporary mountain architecture.

**Materiality and Structural Integrity**
The design employs a range of materials, each selected for its durability and suitability to harsh climates. Weatherproof reinforced walls and roofs provide resilient protection against rain and snow, while adobe, combined with a rigid frame, enhances insulation and stability. The floor system is robust to accommodate heavy snow and foot traffic, contributing to overall safety. A metal framework serves as critical support, ensuring the structure can withstand seismic forces. Additionally, the integration of photo-voltaic cells introduces renewable energy capabilities, minimizing reliance on external power sources.

**Spatial Organization and Community Focus**
The interior of the zaraNa shelter emphasizes communal living while ensuring individual comfort. A modular layout facilitates easy assembly and adaptation to various terrains, while public spaces, such as a canteen with ample natural light and panoramic views, encourage social interaction. Private bedrooms equipped with bunk beds optimize space usage and provide a cozy atmosphere through the use of warm wood paneling. An inner courtyard serves as both a gathering point and a natural ventilation area, promoting community engagement in a protected environment. The overall design exemplifies a balance between private and communal needs, fostering a supportive living space amidst the challenges of the natural landscape.

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

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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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