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Charming Shelter Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Nestled Within Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Pieter Johannes Mostert, Henk Pretorius Malherbe
Charming Shelter Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Nestled Within Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber panels, the cabin integrates into the volcanic terrain while offering a communal space for skiers to connect with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
02
The bent A-frame design mimics local volcanic shapes while facilitating snow accumulation for insulation.
03
Extensive glass facades ensure natural light floods the interior while connecting occupants with the landscape.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and protection against harsh weather conditions.
05
Includes specialized storage solutions for ski equipment, catering specifically to recreational users.

## Overview

Located in Krafla, Iceland, the Halli Cabin is designed as a multifunctional space that caters specifically to the skiing community while harmonizing with its rugged natural setting. The intent is to create a retreat that fosters interaction with the surrounding landscape, facilitating both recreational and communal experiences. This architectural endeavor merges modern design with environmental considerations, establishing a functional shelter that reflects the unique geographical characteristics of the region.

## Architectural Language

### Roof and Facade

The cabin's roof structure is a key design element, sloping in a manner akin to the surrounding volcanic mountains. This feature not only aids snow retention, providing natural insulation, but also serves as a launch ramp for skiers. The facade, predominantly composed of extensive glass panels, enhances transparency, flooding the interior with natural light while offering unobstructed views of the wilderness. The materials used on the exterior draw inspiration from local glacial features, reinforcing the cabin’s dialogue with its environment.

### Interior Configuration

The interior layout promotes social interaction and communal gatherings, featuring open spaces with adaptable seating arrangements. Central to the design is a hearth inspired by traditional Nordic longhouses, symbolizing warmth and community. The ground floor includes facilities for rest, refreshments, and sports equipment storage, while the first floor caters to personal belongings and equipment maintenance, ensuring a practical and welcoming environment for visitors engaged in outdoor pursuits.

### Material Selection

The Halli Cabin utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for wall construction, contributing both warmth and structural integrity to withstand the harsh Icelandic climate. Accompanying plywood enhances the aesthetic cohesion within the space, while expansive glass elements facilitate natural ventilation. This thoughtful selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and minimalism, aligning the built environment with its natural surroundings.

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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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