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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Shape A Distinctive Ski Resort Experience

Authors:
Hsiao-yun Chen, Jungwoo Yoon, Xen Pei Hoi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Shape A Distinctive Ski Resort Experience

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles define the exterior while thermal mass construction enhances energy efficiency, creating a ski resort that harmonizes with Iceland’s rugged landscape and caters to outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while blending with the surrounding landscape.
02
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability and visual connection with the environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels used throughout the construction improve thermal efficiency and sustainability.
04
A direct heat transfer system inspired by traditional Ondol methods efficiently warms interior spaces.
05
Elevated viewing platforms offer panoramic perspectives of the Icelandic wilderness and ski slopes.

### Project Overview
Located in the Icelandic landscape, the ski resort facility "Interlaced Lens" is designed to provide an exceptional experience for visitors while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. The project focuses on integrating contemporary architectural elements with the terrain, aiming to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The design employs a non-linear arrangement of spaces to facilitate an engaging user experience. Upon entry, visitors encounter a spacious reception area that serves as a central hub connecting various zones—changing rooms, a warming area, and refreshment stations. Each area is intentionally designed to promote interaction with the environment and includes a viewing deck strategically elevated to optimize panoramic views of the ski slopes and surrounding mountains. The thoughtful spatial configuration allows for seamless navigation, with diverse seating arrangements that accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger groups.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette reflects the local geography and traditional construction techniques. The use of dark-colored wood for the exterior cladding helps the structure blend into the volcanic landscape, while concrete provides durability and thermal mass. Expansive glass elements enhance natural light and visual connections to the outdoors. Additionally, the design incorporates innovative heating solutions, such as direct heat transfer systems inspired by traditional methods like Ondol, promoting sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. The selected materials not only tie the design aesthetically to the setting but also prioritize future reusability, minimizing the ecological footprint.

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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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