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Charred Wood Cladding and Modular Design Create A Sustainable Shelter for Trekkers Amidst Iceland's Landscape

Authors:
Ashlie Latiolais, Garrett Armentor, John Welcher
Charred Wood Cladding and Modular Design Create A Sustainable Shelter for Trekkers Amidst Iceland's Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood cladding and designed for modular flexibility, the shelter offers trekkers a robust refuge that seamlessly integrates with Iceland’s rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for a lightweight yet strong structure.
03
The modular design allows for flexible configurations depending on user needs.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to reflect the surrounding Icelandic topography.
05
Features strategically placed skylights to maximize natural light while maintaining insulation.

### Overview

Verndari is situated within the rugged terrain of Iceland, designed to serve trekkers and adventurers navigating the island’s trails. Drawing inspiration from Icelandic mythology, the structure functions as both a guide and a shelter, fostering interaction with the surrounding landscape while ensuring safety for users.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The architectural design of Verndari emphasizes modularity and adaptability. It comprises various components, including survival pods intended for immediate shelter and communal spaces that encourage social interaction among users. These areas feature adaptable elements, such as Murphy beds, which maximize space utilization while maintaining comfort. The ability to connect and rearrange the modular units allows for tailored configurations based on the number of occupants and specific environmental conditions, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Sustainable Material Use

The project prioritizes sustainability and resilience to accommodate Iceland's extreme climate. Key materials include powder-coated corrugated metal panels for durability, rigid insulation for thermal protection, and integrated solar films for energy efficiency. Additional features such as operable window systems promote ventilation and natural light, while fabricated wood elements within the interiors provide a tactile contrast to the metal exterior. This careful selection of materials ensures longevity while maintaining environmental integrity. The design reflects a commitment to ecological considerations and the cultural significance of the site, achieving a balance between form and function.

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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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