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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Cabins Embracing Nature in a Community Retreat

Authors:
Julia Mendes rogenski, Mateus Campos de araujo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Cabins Embracing Nature in a Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a harmonious balance between private cabins and a communal pavilion, facilitating an immersive experience in Iceland's natural landscape while serving as a retreat for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels that ensure structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for optimized views of the northern lights.
04
Each cabin is modular, facilitating flexible accommodation arrangements for different group sizes.
05
Implemented rainwater collection systems to promote sustainable water usage on site.
The Iceland Northern Lights: Cabins and Coliving Pavilion project integrates innovative architectural design with a high regard for the natural landscape of Iceland. Situated to maximize views of the northern lights, this project is conceived as a holistic living space combining individual cabins with a central coliving pavilion. Its primary function is to provide accommodation that balances individual privacy with communal interaction, ensuring that residents can truly immerse themselves in the unique environment.

Individual cabins are constructed using sustainable materials that reflect local building traditions while ensuring energy efficiency. The use of timber emphasizes warmth and longevity, while large glass windows enhance the connection to the striking landscape, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors. The cabins are modular, enabling flexibility in accommodation and utilization of the space. This design approach supports both short-term stays for visitors and longer-term residential options, adapting easily to varying community needs.

The coliving pavilion stands as the heart of the project, providing essential communal facilities that include social areas, cooking, and gathering spaces. Its design incorporates transparent facades, allowing occupants to engage with the surrounding scenery while fostering social interaction within. This pavilion serves not only as a functional element but also as a communal hub that encourages collaboration and connection among residents.

Sustainability is a significant focus of this project. Each cabin is equipped with solar panels and rainwater collection systems, minimizing their environmental footprint. The choice of insulated panels contributes to the cabins' energy efficiency, essential for coping with Iceland's climate. This ecological consideration distinguishes the project from traditional designs, which may prioritize aesthetics over functionality and sustainability.

The site planning promotes respectful engagement with the natural landscape, utilizing the topography to create an environment conducive to both community and individual experience. Paths are strategically placed to enhance movement throughout the area without obstructing natural features, supporting a seamless integration of architecture and nature.

In conclusion, this project exemplifies a modern architectural response to the need for sustainable living spaces that coexist with the environment, focusing on community, privacy, and eco-conscious design. For those interested in the specifics, further exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas will provide additional insight into the project’s design and functional attributes.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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