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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Create a Harmonious Winter Retreat

Authors:
MÁtyÁs Skardelli, Ece Boysal Skardelli
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Create a Harmonious Winter Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades, the design fosters an engaging relationship with the surrounding Icelandic landscape while serving as a comfortable retreat for winter recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and thermal performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes snow accumulation on roofs.
04
Includes expansive glass façades to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Integrates communal and private spaces in a triangular layout to facilitate user interaction.

### Project Overview

Located in the snowy landscapes of Iceland, the design integrates with its context by emphasizing simplicity and functionality. The snow cabin prioritizes resident experience while fostering a connection to the surrounding scenery. The architectural concept draws inspiration from Icelandic culture and local materiality, aiming for a coherent relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape.

### Spatial Configuration

The building's triangular layout is centered around communal areas with a focus on a central fireplace, promoting social interaction among inhabitants. This layout supports both private and public functions, with essential service spaces discreetly positioned to maintain a clear and organized flow. The form features distinctive slopes and angular elements that echo the undulating terrain, giving it a visual character that complements its snowy environment. Elevated terraces are designed to enhance the views and serve as multifunctional outdoor spaces for various activities throughout the year.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette of the project is carefully chosen to align with the local context and climatic conditions. Concrete is employed for its durability and thermal mass, making it well-suited for harsh weather. Expansive glass windows facilitate natural light and visual connections with the exterior, contributing to a sense of transparency. Wood accents in communal areas offer warmth and texture, creating inviting interior spaces. These materials not only fulfill functional requirements but also resonate with the local traditions and landscape, encouraging ecological sustainability while adhering to modern architectural 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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