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Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter With Solar Integration for Sustainable Hiking Retreat

Authors:
Gavin Murray, Sean Douglas
Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter With Solar Integration for Sustainable Hiking Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed from cross-laminated timber and equipped with solar power, the structure integrates modular design with sustainability to serve as a functional shelter for hikers navigating Iceland's rugged terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular cross-laminated timber, allowing for efficient prefabrication and assembly.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that enhance weather resistance and reflect traditional Icelandic building methods.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity while maximizing interior space.
04
Utilizes passive solar heating techniques integrated into the roof design for energy efficiency.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, minimizing environmental impact and maintaining natural aesthetics.

## Overview

The Stacked Bothy is a design initiative located within Iceland's diverse landscapes, aimed at reinterpreting traditional hiking cabins. This project addresses the challenges presented by the rugged topography, often marked by extreme weather conditions, while providing essential amenities for trekkers. By combining contemporary architectural practices with traditional forms, the design promotes modular construction and sustainability, advocating for responsible tourism along popular trekking routes.

## Spatial Organization

The Stacked Bothy features a two-level configuration, designed for efficiency and comfort. The ground floor encompasses communal areas for cooking, socializing, as well as facilities for showers and toilets, enhancing the overall user experience. The upper level serves as a sleeping loft, maximizing natural light and views through its careful orientation and angled roof design. This layout not only respects functional needs but also facilitates rainwater collection and solar panel installation, reinforcing the building's environmental integration.

## Material and Sustainability

Sustainability is central to the material selection of the Stacked Bothy. Key components include cross laminated timber (CLT) for its structural resilience and low carbon footprint, lightweight cladding that enhances both insulation and overall building weight, and precast concrete for foundational stability. The incorporation of aluminum window shutters offers security and thermal efficiency. Collectively, these materials underscore a commitment to reducing ecological impact while maintaining a robust architectural presence in the landscape. The design also accommodates renewable energy solutions, embedding wind and solar power technologies within its framework to further enhance self-sufficiency.

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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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