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Charred Wood Shingles and Rainwater Systems Define a Sustainable Habitat in the Arctic

Authors:
Rakel Susanna Aurora Päivinen, Polina Rogova
Charred Wood Shingles and Rainwater Systems Define a Sustainable Habitat in the Arctic

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles enhance the cabin's resilience in an Arctic environment, while integrated rainwater systems and flexible modular design support sustainable living in a compact dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and weather resistance in harsh Arctic conditions.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide superior insulation while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity and snow load management.
04
Flexible modular components allow for future reconfiguration and relocation.
05
Integrated rainwater collection systems promote self-sufficiency in resource management.

**General Overview**

Located in a polar region significantly affected by climate change, the Arctic Cabin exemplifies an architectural response to urgent environmental challenges. The project's intent focuses on fostering a sustainable relationship between inhabitants and their surroundings, emphasizing material reuse, ecological adaptability, and minimizing environmental impact. It highlights a commitment to reconnecting individuals with the natural landscape while addressing the vulnerabilities of the Arctic ecosystem.

**Architectural Form and Spatial Configuration**

The design features a steeply pitched roof that facilitates snow retention, effectively enhancing insulation within the cabin while addressing the needs of the Arctic climate. Elevated on pilings, the structure minimizes disruption to the delicate ground below, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. The compact floor plan is designed for multifunctionality, incorporating essential spaces such as a living area centered around a fireplace, an efficiently integrated kitchenette, and cozy sleeping quarters. This layout promotes communal engagement while optimizing the use of space.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

The materials chosen for construction underscore a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Structural elements utilize massive timber logs, acknowledging wood's renewable nature, while wood paneling enhances both insulation and aesthetic appeal. The durable steel roof is designed to withstand harsh weather, and the wooden slab foundation provides stability with minimal ecological impact. Each material was selected not only for its functional benefits but also for its capacity for future disassembly and reuse, aligning with the project's overarching sustainability goals.

**Innovative Adaptability Features**

The design incorporates a modular approach that supports adaptability, allowing for various configurations of living units that can accommodate small communities while ensuring privacy. This flexibility enhances communal living and encourages architectural diversity within the Arctic context. Key design innovations include screw-down foundations and flexible joint systems that facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, minimizing environmental disturbance. Integrated systems promote self-sufficiency, such as rainwater collection, solar-powered heating, and composting toilets, fostering sustainable practices and encouraging food cultivation through productive gardens within the project.

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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
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