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Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasizing Sustainability in Iceland's Community Retreat

Authors:
Maryse Béland, Charlène Côté, Stefania Praf
Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasizing Sustainability in Iceland's Community Retreat
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, this community retreat in Iceland seamlessly integrates sustainable materials while providing a tranquil space for relaxation and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and efficient construction.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding Icelandic landscape, promoting ecological harmony.
05
Includes multi-functional pavilions that encourage community engagement and recreational activities.

### Concept Overview
Located in the serene landscapes of Iceland, Kyrrð is designed to foster an immersive relationship between human experience and nature. The name "Kyrrð," which means a moment of tranquility, reflects the intent to create spaces that highlight the beauty of the environment, particularly the Northern Lights. The project integrates leisure, comfort, and community engagement within a setting that emphasizes the region’s dramatic natural features.

### Spatial Organization
The site plan consists of multiple pavilions organized around a central access road, facilitating movement while encouraging exploration. A key feature is the Public House, which serves as a communal area with bold geometric forms and large glass windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, the design promotes social interaction with functional areas such as the kitchen and indoor galley. The guest houses, characterized by a dual-block configuration, emphasize comfort, featuring wooden interiors and panoramic glass walls that enhance the connection to the outdoors.

### Material Strategy
The material selection prioritizes sustainability and local context, employing elements such as locally sourced wooden cladding for warmth and insulation, and metal roofing for durability against Iceland's weather. Expansive glass panels integrate the interior with the natural environment, while concrete is utilized for structural integrity and aesthetic contrast. Additionally, landscaped gardens composed of native flora reinforce biodiversity and strengthen the project's ecological ties to the Icelandic landscape.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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