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Charred Wooden Shingles and Volcanic Stone Embrace Seasonal Flexibility in Lakeside Living

Authors:
Alexandra Ciscar, Viacheslav Muraviev
Charred Wooden Shingles and Volcanic Stone Embrace Seasonal Flexibility in Lakeside Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local volcanic stone, the design seamlessly adapts to seasonal changes while providing a versatile space for communal living near Lake Mývatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced volcanic stone, enhancing site-specific integration.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance and durability.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enable efficient construction and structural stability.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes both interior space and natural light.
05
Adaptable layouts facilitate seasonal adjustments for communal and private use.

## Overview

The Heiming Mývatn project is situated near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, an area renowned for its distinctive geological formations and diverse ecosystems. The design seeks to integrate human habitation with the surrounding natural environment, addressing the challenges posed by Iceland’s climate and topography. The architecture reflects a commitment to creating spaces that foster connections among inhabitants while respecting the natural landscape.

## Material and Form

### Material Selection
The project employs locally sourced volcanic stone and wood to establish a strong connection to its geographical context. Volcanic stone serves both structural and aesthetic functions, while wood is utilized for internal cladding and decking, enhancing warmth and texture. This materiality not only aligns with traditional Icelandic building techniques but also underscores a commitment to sustainability.

### Structural Design
Employing a modular and low-profile design, the structure allows for flexible configurations that adapt to varying seasonal conditions. Spaces are organized into distinct zones, each intended for specific uses—residential, guest accommodations, and service areas. Large windows and open-plan layouts foster a strong connection to the outdoors, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including vistas of Lake Mývatn and the aurora borealis.

## Sustainability and Adaptability

### Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the design, manifesting in the thoughtful selection of materials and energy-efficient construction methods. The architecture is designed to minimize environmental impact while promoting responsible building practices in ecologically sensitive areas.

### Seasonal Adaptability
The project's adaptability to seasonal changes is a significant feature, allowing spaces to be reconfigured as needed to enhance year-round occupancy. This design approach ensures that the structure remains functional and engaging throughout the varying conditions of the Icelandic climate, thereby enriching the user experience in this unique setting.

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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

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competition now

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