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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Encompass a Modern Shelter in Volcanic Terrain

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Encompass a Modern Shelter in Volcanic Terrain

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the facility harmonizes with the rugged volcanic landscape of Krafla, serving as a sustainable shelter for tourists and locals alike.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and views.
04
Utilizes geothermal energy for heating, aligning with local ecological practices.
05
Includes interactive educational spaces focused on local volcanic geology.

## Project Overview

Krafla, An Icelandic Poem is located in Krafla, Iceland, serving as a shelter for skiers, tourists, and locals. The facility focuses on comfort while reflecting the unique volcanic landscape. It is designed not only as a refuge but also as an educational resource, merging functional needs with the surrounding natural beauty.

## Form and Structure

The design incorporates circular shapes and organic lines that reflect the mountainous terrain and volcanic craters. Featuring glazed roofs, the structure provides protection from harsh weather while allowing abundant natural light, establishing a connection to the dramatic night sky. The building's interior and exterior elements resonate with volcanic characteristics, including circular seating areas that offer views of the crater landscape, symbolically representing the volcano itself.

## Materiality

A careful selection of materials reinforces the project's sustainability and aesthetic value. Wood forms the primary structural and decorative component, introducing warmth and an organic quality, while metal provides modern contrasts. The extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and a connection with the environment, and reinforced concrete ensures durability in critical structural areas. The inclusion of local grass for green roofing further integrates the structure into its surroundings, promoting environmental compatibility.

## Interior Space

The interior is designed to maximize comfort and accessibility, featuring interaction areas for educational initiatives that highlight Iceland's geological and ecological context. Intimate spaces encourage relaxation, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape and enhance their overall experience. The design emphasizes not just shelter, but also the importance of social and educational engagement within the natural environment.

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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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