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Capturing Light Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in an Icelandic Retreat

Author:
Leevi Kerola
Capturing Light Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in an Icelandic Retreat

Project in-detail

Built from cross-laminated timber and accented with charred shingles, the cabin draws natural light while seamlessly integrating with the Icelandic landscape, creating a functional retreat for skiers and nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and strength.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light throughout the interior.
04
Strategically positioned viewing deck offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes geological elements in the interior to reinforce connection with the environment.

## Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the ski cabin design captures the essence of its striking landscape, serving both as a refuge for skiers and a space for experiencing the surrounding natural beauty. The architecture prioritizes environmental sensitivity, specifically addressing natural light dynamics, topographical relationships, and extreme weather challenges.

### Spatial Organization
The cabin features a circular floor plan that effectively distinguishes between communal and private areas. Key components include a central gathering area with a fireplace, designed to provide warmth and comfort in harsh conditions; a strategically placed viewing deck that ensures panoramic vistas of the Icelandic landscape; and convenient changing rooms and storage for skiers. This layout promotes an efficient flow between relaxation and social interaction, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
The material selection is deliberately aligned with the local environment, incorporating wood cladding to create warmth and blend the structure into its surroundings. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural element, leveraging its strength and sustainability attributes. Extensive use of glass enhances transparency, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, bitumen felt is employed for waterproofing, ensuring durability in the region's challenging climate. The construction methodology emphasizes modularity, facilitating efficient prefabrication and on-site assembly while minimizing ecological impact.

The design further prioritizes sustainability through high levels of insulation and intelligent spatial planning, which reduces energy loss and maintains comfort without compromising environmental integrity. Unique architectural features, including varying roof heights and strategically positioned windows, optimize natural light capture, allowing for both daytime illumination and nighttime stargazing. Integrating geological elements within the interior fosters a deeper contextual connection, enriching the user experience.

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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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