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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Ski Cabin Embracing Nature

Author:
Kesaria Dalakishvili
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Ski Cabin Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, the cabin seamlessly blends with the Icelandic landscape while providing a communal space for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and insulation.
03
Features extensive glazing on the southern facade to maximize natural light.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to reduce wind load and improve aerodynamic performance.
05
Designed with a central hub that fosters community interaction among users.

### Project Overview
The Iceland Ski Snow Cabin is situated in a snow-laden region of Iceland, designed to function as a ski facility and communal space. The intent is to harmonize the built environment with the surrounding landscape, enabling visitors to engage with Iceland's distinctive topography and potential views of atmospheric phenomena like the Northern Lights. The layout prioritizes both functionality and user experience, aiming to provide warmth and comfort in contrast to the harsh outdoor climate.

### Spatial Strategy
The cabin's multi-functional design features a central hub framed by three main axes that converge to create an inviting core for social interaction. This layout enhances connectivity within the space and facilitates efficient movement. The central area serves as both a gathering place and a focal point, featuring a fireplace that provides warmth. Surrounding this hub are public and maintenance facilities, organized for optimal circulation and access.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
Sustainable and durable materials are integral to the design, reflecting the requirements of the harsh Icelandic climate. Key materials include a concrete foundation, a metal frame, timber-framed insulated walls, and a metal roof. Interior finishes incorporate mineral wool insulation and wood, enhancing both acoustic comfort and aesthetic appeal. The strategic orientation of the building maximizes solar gain during winter months while providing protection from summer sun, ensuring the structure's resilience and functionality throughout the year. Abundant glazing on the primary facade further promotes natural light and panoramic views of the landscape, reinforcing visual connectivity with the environment.

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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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