MOUNTAIN HUT: The Himalayas Shelter

Location and context.

The proposed building is part of a serie of objects located along the hiking trails in the Himalayas. The basic idea of the project is to create emergency landmarks in the landscape that are safe, economical and ergonomic shelters for climbers. The object is an energy efficient building with a compact shape, a raised up structure on a platform which offers additional safety, a lightweight wooden, wind resistant structure, and a well designed interior system to be energy efficient and ergonomic. The architecture of the object is a rational response to the extreme conditions resulting from the inaccessible locations. A varied and vivid color panel refers to the Nepal culture, as well as the idea of creating a building that is a strong, visible accent in the mountain landscape.

Technology and structure.

The construction of the building is based on the wooden frame technology (10×15 main posts and crossbars 6×12). It is seated on a steel platform based on drilled piles. Prefabricated structural elements will be provided by helicopter transportation. It is equipped with a 50sqm photovoltaic solar energy system on the roof with a 15 degrees slope that allows optimal performance. The solar power is used for the partial heating of the building (approx. 10 °C) and to heat water. The heat of the human body provides the additional energy needed to maintain a proper temperature inside the building. The ventilation system works with heat recovery. Other technologies include:
– windows: argon gas in triple glazing
– thermal insulation: three layers of wood fibre insulation
– emergency heating: bio fuel emergency generator
– water extraction system by melting ice: water supplies and prevents the destructive effect of ice against the structure of the building
– facade: colored galvanized panels

Function.

The access to the building is provided by an external bridge. It is possible to bring equipment to the storage area directly from the outside. The building has been designed to operate self-sufficiently or with a proper staff. It was designed with zoning into three functional sections on three floors: the ground floor (technical and storage), 1st floor (living area, kitchen, dining room), 2nd floor (small bedrooms for several people). This arrangement answers to three levels of possible settlings:
– the first – just entering, buying or repairing the equipment, services, information.
– the second – leaving the equipment on the ground floor and going to the second floor to rest and eat
– the third – staying for longer eg. due to bad weather conditions – bedrooms on the third floor
The natural heat circulation in the building makes the highest floor (bedrooms) the warmest. Moreover, to prevent heat loss, there is a possibility to close the zones through a separate staircase.