2015 - Shelter in the Himalayas

Location: Himalayas, Nepal
Competition: 2015
Designers: Klearchos Maleas, Konstantinidi Domenika
Collaborators: Lefteris Vrettakos, Vassilis Filippou

Trekking is a means of meditation. A pilgrimage till you reach your end destination. Similarly the road towards enlightenment is done via a pilgrimage through life giving you experiences of spiritual teachings and guidance. To reach enlightenment you need to follow an upward spiritual path, which could be reached through trekking, climbing up a mountain in order to gain affinity to the divine. During your journey towards enlightenment, sanctuaries are the location where you recharge from everyday life. The Modular Hut represents a sanctuary. A place were trekkers will be able to rest and recharge their will power in order to continue their journey. The design has been inspired by local architectural lines, trying beget a sense of mysticism for all who spend a night or who remain for a longer period of time. The modularity of the Hut which is its most important trait has been used in order to allow flexibility according to site and its functional requirements since they must be applicable to various different sites along trails throughout the Himalayas. In this way it forms a unique, new quality product for Nepal which can be adapted and replicated in all parts of the country. Sustainable energy is used for self-efficiency while snow water collection provides washing and drinkable water.