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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Ski Cabin Embracing Community Interaction

Author:
Lorena Cruz Rocha
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Ski Cabin Embracing Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape while serving as a versatile ski cabin that fosters community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and fire protection.
02
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that echoes the surrounding mountainous landscape.
04
Includes a glass bridge connecting communal and service areas, promoting visual continuity.
05
Incorporates passive solar strategies to optimize energy efficiency during winter.

### Project Overview
Æðruleysisskjól, or Serenity Shelter, is situated at the base of the Skjálfandi mountain slope in North Iceland, close to the well-known skiing area of Skjálfandafljót. Designed to function as both a contemporary ski cabin and a community refuge, the structure aims to integrate with the surrounding Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities and enhancing user experience.

### Design and Spatial Strategy
The building is characterized by a semi-elliptical form that reflects the region's volcanic topography. It is organized into two primary volumes: the Main Volume, which serves as a communal area featuring an entrance, interactive information point, a fireplace, a bar, and panoramic glass façades offering views of the snowy environment; and the Service Volume, which includes ski storage, reception services, changing rooms, and a nursery. A glass bridge connects these two volumes, facilitating a fluid transition between communal and private spaces while ensuring an immersive connection to the natural setting.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Materiality plays a crucial role in both the durability and visual appeal of the structure. Charred wood serves as the primary external and internal finish, providing a weather-resistant exterior that complements the natural surroundings. Extensive use of glass enhances interior brightness and visual connectivity, while locally sourced natural stone forms the foundational elements. The design incorporates sustainable practices, featuring an insulated roof that leverages passive solar energy to minimize heating demands, aligning with contemporary ecological principles and enhancing overall environmental sustainability.

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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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