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Charred Wood Facade and Glass Elements Enveloping a Multi-Functional Outdoor Hub in Icelandic Mountains

Authors:
Dilara Demiralp, Beril Demirel
Charred Wood Facade and Glass Elements Enveloping a Multi-Functional Outdoor Hub in Icelandic Mountains

Project in-detail

The use of charred wood and extensive glazing creates a visually striking, energy-efficient hub tailored for year-round outdoor recreation in the Icelandic mountains.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Extensive glazing maximizes natural light and offers panoramic mountain views.
03
The bent A-frame design integrates with the landscape's topography.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance sustainability and structural efficiency.
05
Communal spaces promote social interaction among outdoor enthusiasts.

## Project Overview
ULLRHUS is situated in the mountainous terrain of Iceland, serving as a year-round facility for outdoor enthusiasts. Its design aims to promote a connection between visitors and the surrounding natural landscape, facilitating engagement with both winter sports and summer activities.

### Architectural Composition
The layout consists of six interconnected units, centered around a main passage that functions as the entrance and exit. This configuration optimizes natural views and aligns with the landscape's undulating topography, mirroring the form of a skier navigating a slope. The parallel arrangement maximizes sunlight exposure and presents a dynamic visual narrative of Iceland's shifting seasons.

### Materiality in Design
The selection of materials was guided by principles of sustainability and functionality. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass to enhance natural light and visual connectivity, natural wood finishes for warmth, and steel elements for support and modern aesthetic appeal. Together, these materials promote energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

### Design Outcomes and Functionality
The interior layout addresses diverse visitor needs through designated spaces for equipment storage, changing areas, relaxation zones, and sauna facilities. This arrangement encourages both individual comfort and community interaction. The design also allows for seasonal adaptability, catering to activities year-round, from summer hiking to winter skiing, thereby reflecting an understanding of climatic variations and their influence on recreation.

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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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