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Carbon Fiber Shelter With Water Harvesting Systems for Trekkers in Iceland

Authors:
Nilima Gurjar, Harshwardhan Jadhav
Carbon Fiber Shelter With Water Harvesting Systems for Trekkers in Iceland

Project in-detail

Utilizing carbon fiber construction and water harvesting systems, the shelter provides adaptable living spaces for trekkers navigating the diverse terrains of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design that allows for multiple configurations to adapt to group sizes.
02
Incorporates carbon fiber and fiberglass for enhanced durability and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a water harvesting system to collect and utilize natural resources.
04
Employs a cavity wall insulation technique to optimize internal temperature control.
05
Connects living spaces through communal spines to foster social interaction among users.

### Overview

The modular shelter designed for trekkers in Iceland provides functional accommodation tailored to the unique demands of the region's rugged landscapes and harsh climate. Strategically situated in the North Atlantic, the project aims to deliver comfort while integrating closely with the natural surroundings. This design emphasizes adaptability, allowing users to customize their living spaces in response to various trekking group sizes and configurations.

### Modular Configuration and Spatial Organization

The shelter's modular design features a series of interconnected units, enabling flexible layouts that can be reconfigured as needed. The arrangement encourages interaction while ensuring individual privacy, with private sleeping areas situated around central communal zones. These zones act as social hubs for users, fostering a sense of community among trekkers who often share resources and experiences during their journeys. The design incorporates communal corridors, referred to as "spines," that facilitate movement and connect various living spaces, enhancing user flow throughout the shelter.

### Material Choices and Environmental Adaptation

The selection of materials reflects both durability and sustainability, key considerations in the project's design. Carbon fiber provides strength while maintaining a lightweight structure, and fiberglass contributes to insulation, promoting comfortable internal temperatures. Aluminum frames enhance structural efficiency, while innovative features such as magnifying glass heat concentrators help regulate indoor climate through solar harnessing. Additionally, integrated water collection systems utilize environmental resources sustainably, addressing trekkers' needs for hydration.

The architectural aesthetic draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses, merging modern materials with established local forms to create a structure that respects and enhances its ecological context. This integration not only addresses the challenges posed by the Icelandic climate but also reinforces a connection to the surrounding natural beauty, inviting users to engage intimately with their environment.

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

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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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