The Nepal Mountaineering Association, with support from Samarth Nepal Market Development Programme and UKAID is inviting architects, designers and the general public to submit designs for an innovative high altitude accommodation unit which will be the first of its kind ever to be established in the Nepal Himalayas.

The purpose of the Himalayan Mountain Hut is to provide trekkers safe, comfortable and inviting lodgings, where they and their guides can rest, refuel and, if necessary, wait out troublesome weather. While there is no specified location for this Himalayan Mountain Hut, the proposal should be applicable to various different sites along trails throughout the Himalayas. It should form a unique, new quality product for Nepal to be adapted and replicated in all parts of the country.

The mountain hut should be an innovative concept that provides a comfortable shelter for a maximum of 20 occupants for up to one week in all weather conditions, and should take into consideration construction and maintenance in remote areas and high altitudes with limited access to resources.

With a grand prize of US $5,000 and each finalist’s designs being put forward for consideration for the project’s actual construction, this is a fantastic opportunity for architecture enthusiasts to be a part of a real-life project that will help to increase tourism and the income it generates in a predominantly poor region of Nepal.

The competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (maximum of four team members).

Prizes: 
3 winning proposals and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. 
HMMD will award a total of US$ 5,000 in prize money to competition winners as follows: 
1st prize winner: US$ 3,000 
2nd prize winner: US$ 1,500 
3rd prize winner: US$ 500 

Registration Fees and Deadlines: 
Advance Registration (by 4 March): US$ 90
Last Minute Registration (5 March – 1 April): US$ 120 
Registration closes 1 April 2015 (11.59 GMT)

The closing date for submission is 10 April 2015 (11.59pm GMT). 

The winners will be announced on 29 April 2015.

Further information:
HMMD Architecture Competitions is managing the competition and all details are available on the HMMD website

About HMMD
HMMD is an international team of young professionals who organises architecture competitions focusing on initiating progressive ideas. These projects are intended to provoke, excite, inspire, and stimulate creative ideas and innovation.

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