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Dual Structures of Charred Wood and Local Stone Integrated in a Winter Retreat

Authors:
Tor Vilhelm Möller, Ludvig Erik Herman Johnsson Werstam
Dual Structures of Charred Wood and Local Stone Integrated in a Winter Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed from charred wood and local stone, the ski lodge features dual mirrored structures designed to blend with the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced lava rock for enhanced insulation.
02
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize snow runoff.
03
Dual mirrored structures promote symmetry while optimizing space.
04
Incorporates extensive outdoor decks for unobstructed landscape views.
05
Features communal gathering areas designed for social interaction among guests.

### Project Overview
Tvíburatoppar, situated in a valley northeast of Lake Mývatn in Iceland, functions as a ski lodge designed to coexist with the local environment. The facility emphasizes functionality for winter sports enthusiasts while fostering social interaction among visitors. The architectural strategy prioritizes integration with the surrounding landscape, achieved through the design of two mirrored buildings that reflect the symmetry of the natural environment and optimize usable space.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The layout of Tvíburatoppar is organized to facilitate fluid movement between service areas, enhancing the overall skiing experience. Communal spaces are deliberately designed to encourage interaction among guests, offering areas for relaxation and refreshment. The proximity to the ski lift minimizes travel distances for users, thus improving accessibility to ski slopes. Additionally, the incorporation of outdoor decks and seating areas complements the indoor relaxation zones, allowing visitors to engage with their surroundings in various ways.

### Material Considerations and Construction Techniques
The structural integrity of Tvíburatoppar is reinforced through the careful selection of materials that emphasize sustainability and practicality. Concrete forms the foundation and walls, ensuring thermal stability, while locally sourced wood infuses warmth into the interior. Steel sheets facilitate efficient drainage on the roof, and lava rock is integrated into the walls for both insulation and a connection to Iceland’s geological heritage. Traditional building techniques, such as the use of structural timber frames, minimize waste and promote local craftsmanship. The design incorporates innovative water management systems to mitigate snow accumulation, ensuring long-term durability against severe weather conditions.

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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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