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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat

Authors:
Hyunggyu Kim, Kwang Min Lee, Victoria Lee, Brian Luce
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled composite materials, the design merges traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern sustainability practices to create a communal living space in Iceland's highland region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sloped roof for efficient snow management and water collection.
02
Incorporates recycled fishing net material for unique interior texture.
03
Combines traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern construction techniques.
04
Features modular sleeping pods to enhance communal flexibility and privacy.
05
Integrates renewable wind energy solutions for self-sufficiency.

**Location and Context**
The project is situated in Iceland’s rugged landscape, characterized by heavy snowfall and high winds, requiring a design that addresses these climatic challenges. Drawing inspiration from traditional Viking longhouses, the architecture aims to facilitate interaction with the natural environment while providing essential shelter. The intent is to create a space that fosters community among occupants while promoting sustainable living practices.

**Architectural Form and Materials**
The design features a bold, sloped roof that effectively manages heavy snowfall, allowing for efficient water collection that channels melted snow into integrated storage systems. The facade employs a grid of glass panels and lightweight wooden structures, ensuring both transparency and insulation. Material choices include wood for structural supports, glass for natural lighting, recycled composite panels for reduced environmental impact, and weathering steel for durability. Interior spaces incorporate recycled fishing nets to echo local culture, while hollow steel tubes provide a lightweight and robust structural framework.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
Interior arrangements emphasize communal living while allowing for privacy through modular sleeping arrangements. Movable partitions and adjustable furniture enhance flexibility, accommodating groups such as hikers or research teams. Key features include a spacious dining area designed as a central gathering point, alongside individualized sleeping pods that balance privacy with the openness of the overall design. The layout contributes to a sense of community while maintaining functionality for varied user needs.

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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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