Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in a Sustainable Hiker Shelter

Authors:
Jaime Abad, Adorján Portik
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in a Sustainable Hiker Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and oriented strand board, the structure offers a modular design that facilitates flexible usage as a sustainable hiking shelter in the Icelandic wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a modular design that allows for flexible configurations based on user needs.
04
Optimized for natural light with expansive glass panels that frame surrounding landscapes.
05
Integrates systems for rainwater harvesting and solar energy to minimize environmental impact.

### Project Overview

The structure, titled "Comma - A Step on the Route," is situated within the rugged terrain of Iceland's natural landscape. Designed to serve as a functional and sustainable shelter for hikers and nature enthusiasts, the project emphasizes adaptability while promoting a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. Its design integrates essential human experiences within a framework that encourages interaction with nature, fostering open spaces and visual connections to the landscape.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The design features an organic shape characterized by fluid, curved lines that merge with the topography, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and site integration. This modular construction enables flexible configurations based on user requirements. The primary materials encompass oriented strand board (OSB) for structural components, gypsum board panels for internal walls, aluminum for the external shell, and plywood for internal fittings. This selection not only ensures durability and stability but also contributes warmth and a natural aesthetic to the interior.

### Sustainability and User Experience

Environmental consciousness is a focal point of the project, incorporating solar panels for energy generation, rainwater collection systems, and efficient waste management solutions. The layout is organized to prioritize functionality, featuring essential spaces such as social areas, compact kitchen and bathroom units, and comfortable sleeping quarters with large windows for expansive views. This orientation enhances user experience by maximizing natural light and offering visual access to the surrounding environment, encouraging occupants to engage deeply with the landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy