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Dynamic Roof Structure Crafted from Steel and Insulation for a Northern Icelandic Tourist Hut

Author:
Kankan Zhou
Dynamic Roof Structure Crafted from Steel and Insulation for a Northern Icelandic Tourist Hut

Project in-detail

The dynamic steel roof, designed to resemble flames, integrates advanced insulation and reinforced concrete to provide a sustainable and functional tourist hut for outdoor enthusiasts amid the volcanic landscapes of Northern Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic roof design mimics flames for snow shedding.
02
Constructed with reinforced concrete for durability in extreme weather.
03
Ground-source heat pump utilized for energy-efficient heating.
04
Multi-tiered layout promotes visitor interaction and functionality.
05
Panoramic viewing platforms enhance the connection to the landscape.

### Project Overview

Located in the Viki volcano area of Northern Iceland, the tourist hut "A Song of Ice and Fire" is positioned near an established ski resort, addressing the growing demand for visitor services in the region. The facility provides accommodations and equipment repairs for tourists while integrating with the surrounding natural environment.

### Spatial Organization

The interior layout of the hut is designed to accommodate a broad range of visitor activities over two distinct floors. The first floor serves as a central hub, featuring a lobby and service area for social interaction, along with a maintenance and equipment store for skier convenience. Additionally, restroom and changing facilities are included to support outdoor enthusiasts.

On the second floor, the dining room and restaurant offer panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape, enhancing the dining experience. Roof landings and viewing platforms provide further opportunities for visitors to engage with the scenic beauty surrounding the structure. This organization prioritizes accessibility through multiple entry points, ensuring ease of movement for skiers and hikers.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for the hut balances functionality with aesthetic consideration. The primary structure is composed of reinforced concrete, ensuring strength and durability in heavy snow and ice conditions. Steel is utilized for the roof framework, providing resilience and flexibility.

Insulating walls are strategically designed to optimize heat retention, accommodating the area's extreme climate while contributing to overall energy efficiency. A ground-source heat pump is incorporated to enhance sustainable heating solutions, aligning with the project's environmental goals. Interior wood finishes add warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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