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Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter Embracing Community in Iceland's Winter Landscape

Authors:
Gareth Matthew Cotter, Nicholas Peter Milburn, Sebastian Robert Elliott
Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter Embracing Community in Iceland's Winter Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and efficient thermal strategies, the structure serves as a communal ski hut that seamlessly integrates with the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for winter recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural and thermal efficiency.
02
Features a bent A-frame design optimized for snow load management.
03
Incorporates local sheep wool insulation to enhance sustainability.
04
Equipped with a large viewing deck for immersive landscape engagement.
05
Designed with a semi-conditioned entrance to improve thermal comfort.

### Project Overview

Located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, the ski hut known as the Icelandic Boomerang is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Icelandic architectural forms. The design takes the shape of an A-frame structure, emphasizing local environmental sensibilities and cultural heritage while serving as a functional space for recreation and community engagement.

### Architectural Design Elements

**Form and Massing**
The A-frame configuration not only aligns with the regional architectural vernacular but also ensures structural stability in harsh weather conditions. The pitched roof enhances aesthetic appeal while facilitating effective snow management, thus addressing maintenance considerations typical of winter environments.

**Spatial Configuration**
The internal layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various user activities, featuring a lobby, a self-service refreshment station, washrooms, and equipment storage. This organization promotes efficient movement and encourages interaction among visitors. Additionally, a viewing deck provides an opportunity to engage with the remarkable landscape, allowing users to appreciate natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights.

### Material and Sustainability Considerations

**Materiality**
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary building material, recognized for its durability and thermal performance, while also contributing to carbon sequestration. The exterior is enveloped in metal cladding, selected for its reflective properties and resilience to weather elements. Insulation materials, including sheep's wool and hemp, are employed to enhance interior comfort and support sustainable building practices.

**Environmental Integration**
The design strategically frames views of the surrounding valleys and ski slopes, creating a connection between the users and the dramatic Icelandic terrain. Extensive glazing blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, immersing occupants in the natural environment while promoting energy efficiency. The creation of a semi-conditioned entrance facilitates a smooth transition from the exterior climate to the comfortable interior, enhancing user experience in a cold environment.

### Unique Features

The incorporation of rapid assembly techniques and ease of transportation is crucial for a structure located in a remote area, ensuring adaptability across various contexts. The project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation highlights its relevance in the Mývatn region, making it a significant contribution to contemporary architecture in sensitive ecosystems.

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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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