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Charred Wooden Shingles and Metal Cladding Elevate Eco-Friendly Cabins for Remarkable Aurora Viewing

Author:
Nilaus Maltha
Charred Wooden Shingles and Metal Cladding Elevate Eco-Friendly Cabins for Remarkable Aurora Viewing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and metal cladding, the design creates eco-friendly cabins that seamlessly integrate with the rugged Icelandic landscape, providing an ideal setting for northern lights observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates large windows strategically positioned for optimal northern lights viewing.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes wind resistance and snow accumulation.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural strength and insulation.
05
Cabins are elevated to reduce environmental impact and enhance drainage.

**Overview**
Located near Lake Myvatn in Iceland, the project comprises a series of small cabins specifically designed to provide accommodation that allows visitors to fully engage with the natural beauty of the environment, including the Northern Lights. The design aims to enhance the experience of stargazing while minimizing environmental impact. The layout facilitates a sense of solitude by isolating the cabins from each other and the surrounding landscape, reflecting the concept of harmony with nature.

**Spatial Strategy**
The cabin configuration consists of two distinct types, catering to varied accommodation needs while prioritizing flexibility and adaptability to the harsh climate. Cabins are clustered to maintain a balance of privacy and connection to the landscape, utilizing geometric forms—both triangular and rectangular—that interact with light and shadow. Elevated entrances with accessible stairways protect living areas from snow accumulation and provide vantage points for sky viewing. Roofs are thoughtfully designed to efficiently channel and shed snow, ensuring structural integrity over time.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
Material choices are integral to the design's sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Interiors incorporate wood, which provides warmth and insulation against the cold climate, while exteriors feature weather-resistant metal cladding for durability and low maintenance. Large windows with energy-efficient glass optimize natural light and offer unobstructed views of the auroras, allowing occupants to fully engage with the stunning surroundings. The lightweight, mobile nature of the cabins exemplifies a commitment to eco-conscious architectural solutions, enabling them to adapt to fluctuating weather and terrain conditions.

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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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