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Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Shape a Self-Sufficient Micro Home in the Forest

Authors:
Bo Yi Low, Chuheng Lei
Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Shape a Self-Sufficient Micro Home in the Forest

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this self-sufficient micro home seamlessly integrates into the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest while providing essential living functions through innovative ecological systems.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and visual texture.
03
Employs a bent A-frame design that minimizes material use while maximizing space.
04
Features a mechanical dumbwaiter for efficient transport of firewood within the home.
05
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency in water usage.

### Overview
Located in the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest in East Iceland, the project emphasizes the integration of residential living with natural ecosystems. Encompassing 25 square meters, the design embodies principles of symbiotic architecture, focusing on the interdependence between built environments and their ecological contexts. By utilizing innovative technologies and materials, the structure reflects a commitment to sustainability while promoting responsible resource management.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The design features an open floor plan that prioritizes the flow of natural light and air, with a central living space surrounded by functional zones, including a kitchen and a bathroom. Raised on stilts, the home reduces ground disturbance and allows precipitation runoff, promoting ecological harmony. A unique mechanical system, including a dumbwaiter, facilitates the efficient transport of firewood, enhancing user experience while underscoring the project’s operational efficiency.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
The project employs locally sourced timber for structural elements and finishes, establishing a direct connection with its surroundings. Steel provides necessary structural support, designed for resilience in Iceland’s challenging climate. Large windows enhance the visual relationship with the landscape, while solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems contribute to energy efficiency and water self-sufficiency. Each aspect of the material composition is meticulously curated to minimize waste and maximize the life cycle of resources, positioning the residency as a model of sustainable living.

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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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