Self-sustaining Cradle to Cradle mountain hut is designed to generate its own energy

Going green on the road can be tough, but luckily intrepid designers like Seattle-based Malgorzata Blachnicka and Michal Holcer want to make eco-friendly travel more accessible.

Blachnicka and Holcer’s recently unveiled Huba hut is a completely self-sufficient mountain shelter that minimizes its environmental impact by generating its own energy. The project recently won the Cradle to Cradle Product Design Challenge, and all parts of the design were conceived with a biomimetic, zero-waste philosophy.

The Huba mountain hut puts a modern twist on traditional alpine architecture and comprises two main parts: a power module and a living module. In case of damage, each module can be separated and repaired independently. The Huba living module, made primarily from locally sourced fallen trees, sleeps up to four in collapsible beds and is also equipped with a wall heater, sink, and LED lighting. The Power Module, on the other hand, is made out of recycled aluminum and contains a wind turbine, made from recycled plastic using a method called roto-molding, and a battery. The roof is angled to optimize collection of rainwater, which is filtered and used for the sink, drinking, and outside shower.

The modules are designed for easily assembly and disassembly, and are strong enough to withstand harsh winds and heavy rainfall. The Huba could also be integrated with a rental app to give travelers easy access to information about Huba locations and the opportunity to recommend locations for future huts. “Huba as a system works to provide for users a simple, trustful system, in which the bigger number of smaller shelters can serve as a unified accommodation at different stages of travel,” writes the designers. “It is designed to promote sustainable, and circular design to the public, thus creating a better awareness of challenges and possibilities.”