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Charred Wooden Shingles And Thermal Mass Form A Sustainable Cliffside Residence

Authors:
Anna Yablochnikova, Hira Fayyaz
Charred Wooden Shingles And Thermal Mass Form A Sustainable Cliffside Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and large expanses of glass, the residence harmoniously integrates with its cliffside location while providing a sustainable home designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize carbon footprint.
03
Features expansive glass surfaces that provide uninterrupted landscape views.
04
Includes a central courtyard that acts as a light well for natural illumination.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

## Project Overview

The Home of Shadows is a residential architecture project located in Reykjavik, Iceland. Designed for the nature enthusiasts Louie and Elise, the project focuses on sustainability and a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. The design intent is to establish an intimate connection between the dwelling's central spaces and the dramatic natural landscape, enabling panoramic views and a tranquil living atmosphere.

## Spatial Organization and Flow

### Interior Layout

The floor plan centers around a courtyard that serves both as a communal space and a source of natural light for the adjacent rooms. The five primary areas—living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and a versatile space—interact with the courtyard, allowing light to permeate the home. The living room features large, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the Icelandic landscape while minimalist furnishings enhance comfort and utility.

### Flow and Accessibility

An open circulation design facilitates smooth movement between spaces, aligning entry points to strengthen visual connections to the exterior. This layout supports a variety of living scenarios, accommodating both communal activities and individual engagement with the natural surroundings.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selected materials are integral to the project's aesthetic and ecological integrity. While specific materials are not detailed in the project description, common sustainable practices suggest the potential use of concrete for structural stability, glass for expansive views, wood for warmth in interior finishes, and stone to harmonize with the local topography. Additionally, the inclusion of green roofs and vertical gardens underscores the commitment to sustainability, enhancing biodiversity and improving insulation.

### Environmental Integration

Strategically situated on a cliffside, the Home of Shadows optimally integrates with its environment, offering natural shelter from harsh weather while providing stunning vistas. The architectural design emphasizes the balance between human habitation and the surrounding landscape, ensuring that comfort and aesthetics coexist without compromise.

### Light and Shadow Dynamics

The design thoughtfully explores the interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the atmosphere and visual interest within each space. This focus contributes to an evolving interior ambiance throughout the day, reflecting the dynamic conditions of the external environment.

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

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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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