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Charring Wood and Basalt Stone Unite in Sustainable Alpine Shelter

Authors:
Sungjoo Chung, Eva Habtezion, Sofya Semenova
Charring Wood and Basalt Stone Unite in Sustainable Alpine Shelter

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood and basalt stone, the design creates a functional space that harmonizes with the alpine landscape, serving as a winter retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique for charred wood facade.
02
Incorporates locally sourced basalt stone for flooring.
03
Features expansive panoramic windows to connect interior and exterior.
04
Designed with a self-service area to enhance community interaction.
05
Offers dedicated snow grooming equipment storage for operational efficiency.

### Project Overview
The Mývatn Ski Snow Cabin is located in the picturesque landscape of Mývatn, Iceland, designed to serve as a refuge for winter sports enthusiasts. The architecture prioritizes a connection with the surrounding natural environment, integrating functional spaces for recreation, relaxation, and equipment management. The facility emphasizes user experience and comfort while maintaining harmony with its alpine context.

### Spatial Strategy
The floor plan is crafted to accommodate the specific needs of a ski lodge, featuring designated areas for rest, equipment usage, and social interaction. Key components include:
- **Rest and Warming Areas**: Generously sized and equipped with panoramic windows, these spaces allow for ample natural light and open vistas of the Icelandic landscape, promoting relaxation.
- **Equipment Check and Tuning Station**: Positioned for easy accessibility, this area facilitates efficient preparation for skiing activities.
- **Communal Nourishment Station**: This self-service area is designed to encourage interaction among guests, fostering a sense of community within the cabin.
- **Snow Groomer Garage**: An essential feature aimed at supporting operational efficiency by providing dedicated space for equipment maintenance.
- **Sanitary Facilities**: Strategically located to enhance user comfort, these facilities are integrated throughout the building.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials underscores both sustainability and aesthetic coherence within the project:
- **LT Wood (Shuratan)**: Utilized for structural and decorative elements, this wood provides warmth and aligns with the local environmental context.
- **Basalt Stone Flooring**: This durable material connects to Iceland’s geological heritage, enhancing both practicality and style.
- **Burnt Wood Facade Cladding**: Utilizing the Shou Sugi Ban technique, this cladding not only protects against harsh weather but also contributes to the tactile quality of the exterior.

This careful selection of materials ensures that the cabin is not only visually appealing but also resilient and sustainable, reinforcing its integration with the site’s natural elements. The design minimizes its ecological footprint through efficient water management and waste treatment solutions.

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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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