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Elevated Cabins with Panoramic Views Crafted from Local Timber and Corrugated Sheeting

Authors:
Maximilian xaver Pfaffinger, Jonas Baedeker
Elevated Cabins with Panoramic Views Crafted from Local Timber and Corrugated Sheeting

Project in-detail

Constructed with a wooden frame and characterized by mobile units that provide panoramic views, these elevated cabins in Iceland offer a sustainable retreat for visitors seeking an immersive Northern Lights experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated cabins use screw foundations to minimize land disturbance.
02
Mobile units within the cabins allow for flexible interior layouts.
03
Large glass panels provide uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.
04
Construction incorporates locally sourced materials for sustainability.
05
Each cabin is strategically oriented for optimal natural light and sightlines.

### Project Overview

Located in Skíðadalur, Iceland, the Point of View project comprises a series of cabins specifically designed for optimal observation of the Northern Lights. The intent is to create a modern living environment that harmonizes with the natural landscape while catering to visitors and locals. The design emphasizes minimalism and sustainability, focusing on enhancing the viewing experience of the auroras without compromising the ecological integrity of the site.

### Structural Configuration and Materiality

The cabins utilize a dual-component structure, featuring a robust wooden frame complemented by a mobile box housing the essential living amenities. This configuration allows flexibility in the design, as the mobile units can be repositioned as needed. Key materials include sustainably sourced wood, providing insulation and durability, and corrugated sheeting for weather resistance. Aluminum serves as a protective layer, enhancing the longevity of the cabins, while large windows facilitate expansive views of the surrounding landscape and sky. The main building components, such as the host's house and barn, are constructed of concrete to ensure durability for livestock management without disrupting the scenic environment.

### Design Layout and Sustainability

Each cabin is designed to accommodate 1-4 guests and includes a kitchenette, bathroom, and versatile sleeping area. Movable furniture allows for adaptable use of space for various activities. The cabins feature elevated screw foundations to minimize ground disturbance and provide adequate drainage, alongside renewable energy technologies like solar panels for sustainable power. Orientation is carefully considered for optimal views of the auroras at night and the Icelandic landscape by day. An interconnected pathway system links guest areas to shared facilities, ensuring minimal environmental impact while enhancing accessibility to common spaces such as restaurants and saunas.

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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

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