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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Design in a Pyramidal Tourism Retreat

Authors:
Miroslav Stafi, Julia Azamatova, Nikita Petrov, Elena Latonina, Nikita Petrov, Elena Latonina
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Design in a Pyramidal Tourism Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a pyramidal shape, the design creates a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with Iceland's volcanic landscape while providing a functional observatory for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and insulation.
03
Features a pyramidal shape that prevents snow accumulation and enhances solar access.
04
Includes a dedicated observation deck designed for panoramic views of the landscape.
05
Employs geothermal heating to minimize environmental impact and energy use.

### Overview
Located in the rugged Icelandic wilderness, the Beacon of Iceland serves as both a retreat and an observatory for tourists. The design thoughtfully integrates architectural language with functional elements, addressing the extreme environmental conditions while celebrating Iceland's cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The structure's truncated pyramid form symbolizes stability, drawing connections to the region's volcanic geography and the interplay of light in the night sky.

### Spatial Strategy
The building layout is distinctly organized to foster both community interaction and privacy among guests. The ground floor includes welcoming communal spaces such as a kitchen and living room, centered around a fireplace, inviting social engagement. Sleeping quarters on the second floor prioritize privacy while still facilitating interaction through shared hallways. The observatory on the third floor offers expansive views of the surroundings, anchored by a light beam that serves both aesthetic and symbolic functions. This spatial arrangement creates a harmonious balance between public and private areas, enhancing user experience without compromising comfort.

### Material Selection
A diversified palette of materials is employed to ensure both aesthetic quality and functional performance. Locally sourced wood provides warmth and insulation, while glass elements enhance views and allow natural light to permeate the interior. Steel is utilized for structural elements and staircases, ensuring resilience against harsh weather, and concrete forms the foundational support, necessary for the volatile volcanic terrain. This combination not only respects the local context and materials but also aligns with sustainable practices, reflecting a thoughtful approach to construction.

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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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