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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Modularity in Remote Icelandic Cabins

Authors:
Dorothy Johns, Krystyna Ng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Modularity in Remote Icelandic Cabins

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a modular design, these cabins seamlessly integrate into Iceland's rugged landscape, providing essential shelter for outdoor trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and natural fire resistance.
02
Designed with a flexible modular system to adapt to diverse terrain and user needs.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural performance and sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and improves thermal efficiency.
05
Strategically positioned to offer unobstructed views of the surrounding glaciers and landscape.

## Overview

The Iceland Trekking Cabins project features a series of architectural structures strategically located within Iceland’s diverse geographical landscape, characterized by glaciers, cliffs, and valleys. The cabins are designed to harmonize with the natural environment, aiming to enhance the experience of outdoor exploration for trekkers navigating the region's varied terrains. The design reflects a commitment to align the built environment with the striking local context, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature.

### Adaptable Modularity

The design employs a modular strategy that allows the cabins to adapt to Iceland's varying microclimates and topographies. Each cabin features a central module that includes a hearth, signifying warmth and community, which extends into functional spaces such as sleeping and cooking areas. This arrangement facilitates easy access to remote hiking trails and diverse landscapes, promoting exploration while providing essential shelter for visitors. The Cabin Matrix outlines multiple configurations tailored to specific geological conditions, demonstrating flexibility in responding to the site’s unique characteristics.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Local and sustainable materials are integral to the project's construction, with anticipated use of wood for structural elements and cladding, glass for maximizing natural light and views, and stone for foundational support. These choices not only reinforce the cabins' connection to the surrounding landscape but also uphold principles of sustainability and resilience necessary in harsh climates. The design emphasizes functionality and durability, ensuring that the cabins can withstand Iceland's challenging weather conditions while providing comfort to occupants.

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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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