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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in Modular Lodging Amidst Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Weiling Sun
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in Modular Lodging Amidst Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the modular lodging adapts to the Icelandic terrain, providing a unique dwelling experience that emphasizes sustainability and a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Modular units allow flexible site arrangement based on guest preferences and environmental conditions.
03
Features expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable construction and structural efficiency.
05
Incorporates an outdoor sauna to enhance the experience of the Icelandic natural environment.

### Overview

The Iceland Northern Light Camping Rooms project is situated in a distinctive landscape of Iceland, aimed at providing a lodging experience that fosters interaction with the surrounding natural environment. The design is rooted in adaptability and user-centered principles, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the stunning vistas, including the aurora borealis. The layout employs a camp-like distributed arrangement to balance communal experiences with individual privacy, encouraging a deeper connection with the site.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The project features a central public activity hub that serves as the focal point for leisure and communal engagement. Surrounding this core are modular guest accommodations strategically positioned to maximize individual aesthetic preferences and comfort. This flexible arrangement allows guests to select their own locations based on personal views and experiences, deviating from traditional hotel layouts. The formation of guest rooms fosters a dynamic spatial environment, promoting varied interactions and a sense of exploration.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Emphasizing sustainability and contextual sensitivity, the architecture makes extensive use of local materials. Wood forms the structural framework and modular units, ensuring ecological compatibility while blending with the landscape. Glass is incorporated to enhance natural light access, creating transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel and concrete are utilized for structural integrity, equipped to withstand Iceland’s challenging weather conditions. The design purposefully showcases the raw materials, reflecting their natural states and reinforcing the project’s connection to 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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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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