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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create A Seamless Ski Hub In Mývatn

Author:
Alejandro Salgado
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create A Seamless Ski Hub In Mývatn

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the facility integrates with the Mývatn landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable exterior that blends with the volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while offering a warm interior atmosphere.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient snow shedding and maximizes internal space.
04
Natural stone cladding reinforces local context and ensures long-term resilience against harsh weather.
05
Modular construction enables future expansion to accommodate increased visitor capacity.

# Fótsporð Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in the Mývatn province of Iceland, Fótsporð serves as a functional hub for winter sports tourism, designed to harmonize with the region's striking volcanic landscape. The name "Fótsporð," meaning "footprints," reflects both the transient nature of visitors and the geological history of the area. The project aims to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings while providing essential facilities that support the local winter sports community.

## Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The design utilizes a modular system that allows for a flexible layout, starting from a traditional form and evolving into interlinked volumes. This approach not only facilitates future expansions but also accommodates various functional areas without compromising visual coherence. The spatial organization prioritizes the clear delineation of different activity zones, critical for adapting to the varying demands of ski tour seasons. A central common area fosters social interaction and contains key amenities, including restrooms and equipment storage.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials were selected with an emphasis on sustainability and durability in the harsh Icelandic climate. The project features locally sourced stone cladding, wood finishes, and double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency. Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while maintaining energy performance. Rigid insulation and robust roofing materials were employed to withstand environmental stresses, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing the building's ecological footprint. This thoughtful material approach reinforces the design's connection to its locale while ensuring year-round functionality.

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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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