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Central Hearth Crafted from Local Stone in a Shelter for Hikers

Authors:
Roi Corentin, Demilly Charles
Central Hearth Crafted from Local Stone in a Shelter for Hikers

Project in-detail

Crafted with a central mass stove and local stone, the structure offers hikers a warm and inviting refuge while enhancing their experience amid the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from local stone to blend into the volcanic landscape.
02
Central mass stove minimizes energy needs while maximizing warmth.
03
Designed with multiple fluid circulation paths for easy movement.
04
Includes essential amenities like toilets and checkroom for hikers.
05
Features a café area that fosters social interaction among visitors.

The design "aflinn – a hearth at the foot of the Hverfjall" is located at the base of the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland, positioned along a key hiking route. Its main purpose is to provide hikers with a place to rest and find shelter from the rugged landscape. The design concept centers on creating an inviting interior that offers warmth and comfort, contrasting with the harsh conditions outside.

Central Heating Element

At the center of the structure is a mass stove, reflecting a traditional heating method commonly found in Nordic architecture. This feature is essential for keeping indoor temperatures comfortable and requires only two heating sessions each day. The stove's strategic placement allows warmth to spread through the central area, making it an inviting space for all visitors.

Spatial Organization

The layout encourages easy movement and interaction among users. Circulation paths are designed to promote free flow between various areas, enabling both social gatherings and quiet moments of solitude. A main hall functions as the entry point, inviting visitors to either continue on their way or enjoy the warmth of the central hearth.

Peripheral Amenities

A pathway that runs along the perimeter connects with the hiking trail, providing important services such as toilets and checkroom facilities for hikers. This thoughtful integration of amenities offers practicality while maintaining the design’s integrity. The approach ensures that essential needs are met, enhancing the overall experience of the space.

Local Material Integration

Stones from the surrounding area are used in the building, linking it directly to the landscape. This material choice not only contributes to the visual aspect but also strengthens the relationship between the space and its environment. Using local materials helps the building fit within the dramatic scenery of Iceland, promoting a sense of belonging.

Natural light enters through carefully designed openings, creating a balance of brightness and shadow within the interior. This interplay enhances the warm tones of the materials, contributing to a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The design reflects a space where nature and human activity come together, enriching the experience for everyone who visits.

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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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