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Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Structure in a Community-Centric Trekking Accommodation

Authors:
SangHyo Kim, Soohyoun Nam, EunHo Jeong, Yun Sung Cho
Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Structure in a Community-Centric Trekking Accommodation

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a framework of engineered wood, the design fosters a communal living environment while offering trekkers sustainable and comfortable accommodation in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing natural light and panoramic views.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainability goals.
05
Designed with flexible communal spaces to promote social interaction among guests.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the Twin House project is designed to accommodate trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts within the country's diverse and challenging landscapes. The design prioritizes a harmonious relationship with the environment, creating functional spaces that respond to varying weather conditions while considering user comfort and safety.

### Design Strategy
**Form and Spatial Organization**
The architecture features a gabled roof, a nod to traditional Icelandic styles, with clean geometric lines that echo the nearby mountainous terrain. Variability in building heights enhances visual interest and spatial differentiation, while a central courtyard facilitates community interaction among users. The layout emphasizes functional zoning, effectively grouping public and private areas to enhance both privacy and social engagement.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The design employs a selection of sustainable materials, including wood for structural framing, steel for support, glass to optimize natural light, and laminate panels for insulation. This combination supports thermal efficiency and robust durability against Iceland’s extreme weather. Additionally, the project incorporates eco-technologies such as solar panels for energy collection, rainwater systems for sustainability, and radiant floor heating to provide comfort in colder seasons. These features collectively contribute to an environmentally responsible approach aligned with contemporary design practices.

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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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