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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Sustainable Ski Cabin Design

Authors:
Juan Diego Pinto Uribe, Fabiana Alvarez Cortes, Barbara Iturribarria
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Sustainable Ski Cabin Design

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with expansive glazing, the design offers a modern retreat that seamlessly integrates into the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for ski enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and thermal efficiency.
04
Designed to maximize natural light with extensive glazing while maintaining privacy.
05
Strategically positioned to minimize environmental impact and blend with the surrounding landscape.

### Architectural Design Report: The Spot - Iceland Ski Cabins

#### Overview
"The Spot" is an architectural project located in a mountainous region of Iceland, designed to serve as a retreat for alpine visitors. The structure aims to integrate modern architectural principles with traditional Icelandic influences, creating a facility that reflects both contemporary design and local heritage. The design strategically positions itself within its natural context, fostering engagement with the striking landscapes typical of the area.

#### Spatial Strategy
The layout of the cabins has been developed to optimize user interaction with the surrounding terrain, featuring multifunctional spaces that include changing areas, equipment storage, and communal zones for relaxation. The geometry of the structure is carefully considered to enhance views of the stunning vistas, ensuring that sightlines connect users with the environment. The design promotes environmental responsiveness, allowing for a rich path of discovery while maintaining ecological balance. Taking cues from traditional Icelandic architecture, features such as pitched roofs echo the local topography, establishing a visual conversation between the built and natural environments.

#### Materiality and Performance
A thoughtful selection of materials underpins both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the cabin. Exposed concrete walls provide structural support and thermal mass, while a steel frame enhances durability and facilitates expansive glazing. The incorporation of wood in the façade and interior creates warmth and reflects local craftsmanship, contributing to the building's thermal performance. Mineral wool insulation enhances energy efficiency, ensuring comfort in extreme weather. Double-glazed glass facades promote visual openness and thermal insulation, while local stone is used for pathways and walls, grounding the design in its geographical context.

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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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