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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Nestled Amongst Nordic Landscapes for Modern Ski Resort Cabins

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Nestled Amongst Nordic Landscapes for Modern Ski Resort Cabins
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades create a distinctive aesthetic for ski resort cabins that harmonize with the surrounding Nordic landscape, providing accessible leisure and community spaces for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Large glass facades enhance natural lighting and integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes spatial dynamics and structural stability.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for their sustainability and thermal efficiency.
05
Dedicated communal spaces foster social interaction and community engagement among guests.

### Overview
Located in the Northeastern region of Iceland, the design of expanded cabins for a ski resort targets a dual audience of residents and visitors. The intent is to create a harmonious blend of traditional Icelandic ski cabin forms with contemporary amenities that enhance the leisure experience. The project seeks to elevate the perception of cabins from basic accommodations to multifunctional spaces promoting convenience and community engagement in a visually striking natural context.

### Architectural Form and Layout
The design features two sharply pitched roofs, a nod to traditional cabin architecture, which provides visual interest and maximizes natural light. This asymmetric structure opens up views of the surrounding landscape, including phenomena such as the northern lights. The layout is organized over two levels: the ground floor accommodates communal spaces including a ski rental shop, restaurant, and outdoor lounge, while the upper level comprises private accommodations and flexible rooms intended for various recreational activities. This spatial organization allows for smooth transitions between public and private areas, facilitating both relaxation and social interaction.

### Materials and Sustainability
The project utilizes a carefully selected palette of sustainable and durable materials, suited to withstand the region's harsh climate. Key elements include wood for structural and interior finishes, enhancing warmth and a natural aesthetic; large glass panels to maintain visual connectivity with the environment; metal for roofing and structural supports, ensuring long-term resilience; and concrete for foundations and flooring for stability. This approach not only addresses functional needs but also aligns with sustainable building practices, contributing to the project’s overall ecological footprint.

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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.

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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

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