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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Create Sustainable Communal Living In an Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Stuart Watson
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Create Sustainable Communal Living In an Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and modular timber units, the design integrates sustainable living with the striking Icelandic landscape, promoting community interaction in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafts modular units that allow for flexible interior configurations.
02
Incorporates a graywater recycling system for sustainable water management.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed to optimize solar orientation for natural heating and light.
05
Features a central communal hall that encourages social interaction.

## Overview

The Light Farm project is situated within the diverse Icelandic landscape, designed to merge traditional architectural elements with contemporary design principles. This undertaking aims to create living spaces that facilitate interaction with nature while reflecting the cultural heritage of Iceland. The project emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic coherence, resulting in a modern identity grounded in historical context.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The architectural design is informed by the traditional Icelandic longhouse, showcasing elongated forms and interconnected spaces that encourage community engagement. A series of distinct structures are cohesively linked, retaining the historical essence while adapting to present-day user experiences. The layout features well-defined zones that enhance usability, with a central hall serving as a communal gathering space. Individualized modular bedrooms can be reconfigured to suit varying group sizes, incorporating amenities such as convertible beds and panoramic windows.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations

A thoughtfully curated selection of materials ensures compatibility with the local environment while addressing the climatic conditions of Iceland. Timber is employed for both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth, contrasting the rugged landscape. Metal cladding enhances durability and weather resistance, while expansive glass openings enhance natural illumination and connect occupants to the surroundings. Sustainable construction methods are prioritized, featuring advanced insulation for energy efficiency, underfloor heating systems, and provisions for graywater recycling. These elements collectively aim to minimize the ecological footprint of the project while fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment.

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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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