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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Minimalist Retreat in the Landscape

Authors:
Julian Wylegly, Aleksandra Burzynska, Blake Whelan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Minimalist Retreat in the Landscape

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a series of modular cabins crafted from cross-laminated timber, creating an intimate retreat designed for sustainable living within its stunning natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while minimizing material usage.
04
Large glass openings facilitate natural light and connect interiors to the surrounding landscape.
05
Green roofs promote biodiversity and improve insulation, integrating the structure into its environment.

## Project Overview

Project Matchbox is located in a remote area of Iceland, designed as a retreat that integrates private cabins with communal spaces, creating a serene escape in response to the unique ecological context. Emphasizing a minimalist philosophy, the architecture engages thoughtfully with the rugged local landscape, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The spatial organization consists of a distributed arrangement of private cabins and shared amenities, optimized for the existing topography. Pathways connect various structures, promoting exploration while ensuring accessibility. The private cabins, modular and demountable, prioritize comfort and privacy while featuring efficient layouts with centralized service cores for essential utilities. The communal building incorporates dining areas, kitchens, and wellness facilities, fostering interaction among visitors. A distinctive brass feature wall in the common area delineates public and private spaces, enhancing functionality through deliberate zoning.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Materials selected for Project Matchbox complement both aesthetic and performance criteria. Charred timber serves as external cladding, offering weather resistance and visual coherence with the landscape, while brass elements create focal points at entryways. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) contributes to structural integrity and sustainability, while expansive glass windows provide a connection to the surrounding environment, facilitating natural light.

The design further incorporates eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic arrays for renewable energy and green roofs that support insulation and local wildlife habitats. This combination of sustainable practices and thoughtful design choices confirms the project's alignment with ecological principles and its respect for the Icelandic landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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