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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.
The Mývatn Ski Hut, termed the "Icelandic Boomerang," is a contemporary architectural design situated in the Mývatn region of Iceland. This ski hut employs an A-frame structure, a form that is both familiar in the context of Nordic architecture and functional for its environment. The design emphasizes strong connections to the landscape while providing a place for social interaction and rest for ski enthusiasts.

The Mývatn Ski Hut serves multiple purposes, functioning as a self-service refreshment station, equipment storage, and social gathering space. The spatial organization of the hut enhances user experience, allowing for easy movement between different areas while encouraging a communal atmosphere. The integration of a viewing deck further connects visitors to their surroundings, providing a platform for observing the natural beauty of the region.

Sustainable design choices are prominent throughout the project, positioning it as a responsible architectural intervention in a fragile ecosystem. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the primary structural material contributes not only to energy efficiency but also to thermal comfort within the hut. The exterior features metal cladding that reflects the immediate environment, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions while maintaining aesthetic relevance.

A notable aspect of the Mývatn Ski Hut is its thoughtful approach to snow management through its pitched roof, which efficiently sheds snow while maintaining structural integrity. The extensive use of glazing blurs the lines between interior and exterior spaces, allowing natural light to permeate and enabling occupants to engage with the ever-changing Icelandic landscape. Additionally, the entrance is designed to optimize thermal performance, allowing for a smooth transition between the outdoor cold and the interior warmth.

The project distinguishes itself by combining modern architectural principles with cultural and environmental considerations. The integration of natural insulation materials, such as sheep's wool and hemp, reflects a commitment to sustainability that is increasingly relevant within contemporary architectural discourse. This careful material selection emphasizes low environmental impact, aligning with broader trends in eco-friendly design.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that define the Mývatn Ski Hut, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This exploration can enhance the understanding of the unique architectural solutions employed in this ski hut and their relevance to the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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