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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Timber Blend in Sustainable Trekking Lodges

Authors:
Omar Ali, Nimet Anwar
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Timber Blend in Sustainable Trekking Lodges

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and locally sourced timber, these trekking lodges harmonize with Iceland's rugged landscapes while providing functional and sustainable lodging for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space and reduces wind load.
04
Incorporates large view windows to connect occupants with the surrounding landscape.
05
Designed for flexibility, accommodating various group sizes and communal activities.

## Overview

The Trail Mix Trekking Cabins are situated in Iceland, designed to accommodate trekkers and enhance their experience within the rugged landscapes. The project explores the relationship between natural topography and architectural design, providing living spaces that resonate with the surrounding environment. The configuration of the cabins promotes not only private retreat but also communal interaction, aiming to cultivate ecological awareness among users while aligning with the principles of contemporary architecture.

## Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes a flexible arrangement of cabin types to cater to varying group sizes and needs, fostering adaptability in social interactions. Private cabins offer seclusion and comfort, while collective cabins are intended for communal use, encouraging connections among guests. Additionally, external plinths serve as pathways and gathering spaces, integrating movement throughout the site and enhancing the overall user experience. The minimalist approach to spatial organization allows for simplicity while accommodating diverse activities through modular outdoor furniture arrangements.

### Material Composition

Material choices are integral to the cabins' aesthetic and functional performance. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, ensuring longevity and durability, while aluminum skin provides reflectivity and thermal efficiency. Locally sourced timber is incorporated in roofing to establish a meaningful connection to traditional Icelandic building practices, complementing the contemporary design. Large pivot windows enhance natural ventilation and offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape, while steel elements contribute to structural stability. These materials are selected to harmonize with the local ecology, emphasizing both the buildings' resilience and their visual integration into the environment.

## Sustainability

Sustainability is a key consideration throughout the design process, with features such as solar panels, effective insulation, and the use of locally sourced materials reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. This focus on eco-friendliness extends to the operational strategies of the cabins, promoting resource sharing among users. The design facilitates a sense of community by encouraging collective experiences and stories, reinforcing the notion of shared adventure in the natural landscape.

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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
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