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Curved Forms Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone for Sustainable Winter Retreat

Author:
Gaetano Marcanio
Curved Forms Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone for Sustainable Winter Retreat

Project in-detail

Enveloped in charred wooden shingles and designed with curved forms that harmonize with the Icelandic landscape, the cabins provide a functional retreat for visitors seeking comfort amidst extreme weather conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone, the cabins blend seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape.
02
Each cabin features a curved design that reduces wind resistance and enhances thermal comfort.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance while creating an organic aesthetic.
04
Integrated photovoltaic glass contributes to energy efficiency without compromising natural light.
05
Common social spaces within the design foster interaction and community among visitors.

### Project Overview

The Stone Cabins project is situated in the snow-covered landscapes of Iceland, designed to enhance the experience of living and relaxation in an extreme climate. The objective is to merge functional living spaces with a deep respect for the natural environment and cultural heritage, emphasizing sustainability and contextual harmony.

### Spatial Layout and User Engagement

The spatial design prioritizes functionality and user experience within the ski cabins. Key areas include a self-service area for communal food storage and preparation, a relaxation zone featuring seating that fosters social interaction, and an information box that serves as a safety and convenience hub for visitors. The layout promotes a smooth transition between entrance, communal, and private spaces, ensuring that both social and individual needs are adequately met. Additionally, an auxiliary garage for snow grooming equipment contextualizes the structures within their rugged setting, further grounding the design in practical considerations.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the architectural aesthetics. Local stone provides both visual appeal and thermal mass, improving energy efficiency. Wood elements offer warmth and organic texture, contrasting with the stone's sturdiness. Transparent glazing optimizes natural light and panoramic views, while photovoltaic glass on select facades contributes to energy self-sufficiency. The integration of these materials facilitates low environmental impact and promotes the cabins' energy-efficient design, aligning with the overarching goal of environmental harmony and functionality.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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