1st winner prize:Davide Prioli,Dennj Avanzi,Andrea Mancini

All images © HMMD

In the wake of the recent tragic earthquake the struck Nepal, the importance of HMMD’s Himalayan Mountain Hut architecture competition is even more keenly felt. Rising from the basic human need for shelter in an unforgiving climate, the Himalayan Mountain Hut carries the potential to house mountaineering expeditions throughout the trails of Nepal.These proposals are thusly viewed as a series of case studies that could potentially be adopted for the more wide-spread rebuild program of Nepal.

The quality of submissions for the competition was high, and the judges were presented with a wide variety of solutions, ranging from simple tent communes to vast multi-level hospitality structures.

1st Prize Winners

1st winner prize:Davide Prioli,Dennj Avanzi,Andrea Mancini

The chosen winner successfully integrated the project’s unique program and constraints into an affordable and elegant solution fitting to the site.As called for in the competition guidelines, this solution is extremely adaptable, and may be easily adjusted for variable sites, altitudes, and number of occupants.It employs a modular system that can be clipped together, comprised of a series of pre-fabricated module ‘types’ such as living, sleeping, service, etc.In contrast to many other modular proposals, this project creates a continuous space inside that allows for group gathering, rather than using the modular concept to connect a series of separate chambers, each designed for one or two individuals, as with a hotel. It additionally placed equal focus on the functional requirements as well as quality of experience within the scheme, as evidenced by the inclusion of the framed window module, which while not necessary to survive, would greatly contribute to the awe-inspiring experience of trekking in the Himalayas.....Continue Reading

1st Prize Winners interview

2nd Prize Winners

2nd winner prize:Dorota Szlachcic,Mariusz Szlachcic,Julia Kisielewska,Wojciech Klapcia

This project is provocative in incorporating the unexpected yet highly relevant mountaineering typologies of the tent and sleeping bag.These two key shelters are a must for any expedition, and as such are a relevant base point for a project with these requirements.The structure successfully blends the two typologies by using the light carbon poles of a tent covered by the thermally-insulating shell of a sleeping bag. Additionally, there is an outer layer that incorporates the prayer flag language of the region to both assist with ventilation and to weave the project into the linear hiking paths lined with flags.The mummy form of the shelter bag, while at first curious, is admirable in its choice to be purely utilitarian. The simplicity is refreshing; it is tall where people must stand, and wide where people must sleep. While many of the projects submitted were far more formal, the judges admired the control exhibited by this group to focus their study on a thermally performative, light-weight structure rather than an overbuilt, formally liberal monument in the mountains......Continue Reading

2nd Prize Winners interview

3rd Prize Winners

3rd winner prize:Agata Dziemianczyk,Jedrzej Pawlaczyk,Miroslaw Wojcieszak

The third place entry exhibits a provocative combination of technology and local resources in the proposed solution.The use of light-weight ETFE pillows is contrasted with the mass of gabion walls around the perimeter, which presents a nice balance between rustic elements specific to the place with elements of a more ethereal and technological nature.Together, these present a nice combination of fixed, heavy components and light, movable pieces that in combination contribute to the unusual character of the place.....Continue Reading

3rd Prize Winners interview

Please click here to see 6 Honorable Mentions

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