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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.

## Overview

The project is situated in Iceland's diverse landscape, characterized by rolling hills and volcanic formations, ideally designed to facilitate natural experiences, particularly the observation of the aurora borealis. Its intent is to merge sustainable living with community-focused spaces that advocate a strong relationship between inhabitants and the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout emphasizes both public gathering spaces and private retreats, effectively balancing social interaction with solitude. The highest point on the site features a communal area designed to foster social connections, while individual cabins are strategically located to provide privacy and contemplation. Pathways are thoughtfully integrated to encourage movement without disrupting the natural habitat, promoting exploration and interaction within the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A focus on sustainable materials is evident throughout the design, incorporating elements such as wood, glass, and stone. Wood, used for structural components, contributes to a warm aesthetic while aligning with forest conservation efforts in Iceland. Glass facades in the coliving pavilion enhance natural lighting and visual connections to the external environment. Additionally, insulated panels are employed to ensure thermal efficiency, crucial for maintaining comfort in Iceland's climate. Sustainable practices include solar panels for energy independence and rainwater collection systems for water conservation, reinforcing a commitment to ecological responsibility. Each cabin features innovative design elements, such as multifunctional furniture and efficient storage solutions, to optimize the user experience and respond to contemporary living standards.

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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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