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Basalt And Birch: A Ski Cabin Harmonizing With Iceland's Natural Landscape

Authors:
Wenwen Cui, 铭亮 李, 晰月 张, Liu Chengshuai
Basalt And Birch: A Ski Cabin Harmonizing With Iceland's Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Characterized by its angular basalt facade and warm downy birch interiors, the cabin integrates seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced basalt, the facade enhances durability and blends with the natural surroundings.
02
Angular pentagonal columns support a pitched roof, optimizing snow management and maximizing interior space.
03
Interior finishes feature downy birch, offering warmth and a natural aesthetic distinct from typical ski lodges.
04
Large glass expanses provide panoramic views of the ski slopes, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
The cabin layout prioritizes multifunctional spaces, encouraging social interaction among visitors and efficient movement.

**Overview**

Located in the scenic countryside of Iceland, the ski cabin is designed to meet the functional needs of winter sports enthusiasts while providing a space for visitors to engage with the natural landscape. The architecture reflects a thoughtful integration with the environment and resonates with traditional Icelandic building practices. The design prioritizes a multifunctional approach, facilitating interaction among users and enhancing their overall experience in the winter setting.

**Architectural Elements and Materiality**

The building features a distinct architectural language characterized by dynamic pentagonal columns supporting a sloped roof, optimized for snow shedding. Its spatial configuration includes well-defined zones for information services, changing areas, and communal spaces. The first and second floors are designed to encourage movement and social interaction, with large windows providing views of the surrounding slopes and landscape.

The material selection emphasizes both aesthetics and practical performance. Downy birch is used for interior finishes, contributing warmth, while basalt enhances durability and aligns with the local context. Metal roofing provides resilience against the weather, and indoor natural plywood offers texture and comfort. The use of outdoor insulating glass maximizes natural light and thermal efficiency, promoting a holistic experience that connects the indoors with the outdoors.

**User Engagement and Sustainability**

The design fosters an inviting atmosphere that enhances user comfort and engagement. Communal areas are strategically located to promote socialization, while expansive windows frame the stunning scenery, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. Local material sourcing underscores sustainability efforts while reinforcing the architectural identity aligned with Icelandic traditions. The adaptable, modular design accommodates varying conditions and user needs, ensuring versatile functionality while promoting a deeper connection to the environment.

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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

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