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Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Embracing Volcanic Landscapes with Sustainable Materials

Authors:
Jyhoon Oh, Jennifer H Kim, Wooin Yum, Jin Chung
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Embracing Volcanic Landscapes with Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Embracing the rugged volcanic landscape, the retreat utilizes cross-laminated timber and locally sourced materials to create a resilient structure that supports winter recreational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced cross-laminated timber, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Engineered to withstand heavy snow loads typical of the region.
05
Designed with operable roof windows to facilitate natural ventilation.

## Project Overview

The Overlapping Craters Cabin is situated in the Icelandic landscapes near Krafla volcano and Breidamerkurjökull glacial tongues, designed to engage with the surrounding natural environment. The structure reflects the region's distinctive topography, drawing conceptual inspiration from the geological features of volcanic craters. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, enhancing user interaction with the Icelandic landscape and facilitating views that connect occupants with the outdoor environment.

### Spatial Configuration

The cabin features a carefully organized layout that addresses the needs of visitors and winter sports enthusiasts. Key functional areas include equipment tuning and storage facilities, a locker room and rest lounge for post-activity comfort, and a refreshment zone complemented by an information desk. These spaces are strategically arranged to optimize user flow and provide intuitive movement between functional areas while ensuring accessibility. The interplay of intersecting rooflines not only contributes to the cabin's structural complexity but also allows for abundant natural light and framed vistas, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette prioritizes sustainability and local sourcing, featuring Nordic pine finishes for warmth, cross-laminated timber columns for structural integrity, a waterproof wood panel roof for durability, and oak flooring for aesthetic coherence. This selection of materials minimizes carbon emissions and aligns with the cabin's ecological aspirations. Furthermore, innovative systems such as solar water heat collectors and operable roof windows enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, while a thermal mass wall facilitates temperature regulation, addressing the environmental challenges specific to the Icelandic climate.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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