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Charred Timber Shingles Enhancing Community Warmth in a Winter Retreat

Author:
Aisa Dervisevic
Charred Timber Shingles Enhancing Community Warmth in a Winter Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles, this retreat blends into its Icelandic landscape while providing a warm gathering space for skiers seeking refuge from the cold.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing fire resistance and aesthetic harmony with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes snow shedding while maximizing interior volume.
04
Includes a central fireplace that serves as a communal gathering point for skiers.
05
Designed with expansive glass walls to connect indoor and outdoor environments, providing panoramic views.

**Overview**
Located in a cold climate influenced by Icelandic geography, the Skihouse project is designed as a retreat for skiers, emphasizing communal interaction and warmth. The architectural approach draws inspiration from traditional structures, particularly the grillhouse concept prevalent in northern regions, while also reflecting the unique volcanic landscape of Iceland. The design's intent is to foster a sense of gathering, where skiers can come together after a day on the slopes.

**Spatial Organization and Community Focus**
The layout centers around a warm room featuring a fireplace, serving as a focal point for social interactions. This design encourages both individual reflection and communal engagement, aligning with the ski culture ethos. The ground floor is strategically organized to enhance accessibility and functionality, integrating spaces such as ski equipment drying areas and refreshment corners. A notable feature is the subtraction of a section of the roof, which creates a viewing deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and an ideal vantage point for observing the northern lights during winter.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The material selection for the Skihouse prioritizes functionality and environmental harmony. Predominantly wood is employed for structural components, allowing for efficient heat retention. Stone provides thermal mass in non-heated areas, while expansive glass walls facilitate natural light and visual connectivity with the landscape. Metal elements are incorporated for roofing and structural ties, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the roof geometry is designed to collect rainwater, addressing the challenges of the local environment where direct water access may be limited. The overall material palette and design choices reflect a commitment to sustainability while enhancing user experience and comfort.

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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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