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Angled Roofs and Charred Shingles Enhance Connection to Nature in Icelandic Retreat

Author:
Dariia Meush
Angled Roofs and Charred Shingles Enhance Connection to Nature in Icelandic Retreat

Project in-detail

With an angular roof design that channels the surrounding Icelandic topography and a facade adorned with traditional motifs and charred wooden shingles, the cabin serves as a contemporary retreat that harmonizes with its natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Angular roof design reflects local geology for enhanced site integration.
02
Facade incorporates decorative motifs inspired by traditional Icelandic patterns.
03
Large glass panels maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Observation deck provides sheltered outdoor space for all-weather enjoyment.
05
Materials include charred wooden shingles for weather resilience and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview

Located in Iceland, the Nordic Patterns Cabin is designed as a retreat that facilitates a connection to the surrounding landscape while ensuring comfort for its visitors. The design combines elements of traditional Icelandic architecture with contemporary practices, reflecting a character that complements the natural environment. This project emphasizes a dialogue between built and natural forms, drawing on the rich cultural heritage of Iceland.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout

The layout optimizes both communal and private spaces to enhance user experience. The ground floor encompasses shared areas, including a living room, dining area, kitchen, and changing rooms accommodating winter sports enthusiasts. The second floor hosts additional bedrooms designed for guests and staff, featuring cozy elements such as corner seating and built-in shelves. Thoughtful spatial flow is achieved through the use of corridors that connect different areas while maintaining the integrity of communal spaces, ensuring privacy for those seeking tranquility.

### Materiality and Design Features

A careful selection of durable materials reflects the local landscape while promoting integration with the environment. Timber is prominently used for structural elements and finishes, imparting warmth, while large glass panels facilitate natural light and panoramic views. Concrete serves as a stable foundation, and metal enhances the modern aesthetic of the roof and detailing.

The cabin's roof features an unconventional multi-angled design that echoes the contours of nearby mountains, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality by facilitating snow shedding. Decorative motifs on the facade, inspired by traditional Icelandic patterns, create a visual connection to the region's culture while maintaining a contemporary appeal. Additionally, a covered observation deck provides sheltered views of the dramatic landscape, enhancing the overall experience for visitors, regardless of weather conditions.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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