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Elevated Eco-Friendly Cabins Featuring Aluminum Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Bogdan Chipara
Elevated Eco-Friendly Cabins Featuring Aluminum Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Constructed with elevated aluminum-clad structures and expansive glazing, these cabins are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a unique retreat experience amid Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground disturbance and preserves local ecosystems.
02
Aluminum cladding enhances durability against harsh weather conditions.
03
Modular configuration allows flexible accommodation for various guest needs.
04
Expansive glazing maximizes natural light and promotes views of the landscape.
05
Sustainable building practices include solar energy integration and recyclable materials.

### Overview
The Bird Eyes trekking cabins are located in the rugged terrains of Iceland, intentionally designed to respect the region's unique geological features and support the increasing demands of eco-tourism. These modular cabins provide visitors with a sustainable accommodation option that encourages immersion in the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design invokes traditional Icelandic forms, characterized by steep, pitched roofs that mirror the surrounding mountain silhouettes. This approach allows the cabins to blend seamlessly with their environment while providing modern amenities. Elevated on stilts, the cabins minimize soil disturbance, thereby protecting the delicate ecosystems below and enhancing visitor access to remote areas. The modular configuration includes sleeping units, communal lounges, and operational spaces tailored to meet varying usage requirements, fostering flexibility for diverse visitor groups.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes environmental sustainability and durability. Aluminum panels form the exterior, offering resilience against extreme weather conditions while maintaining a lightweight profile. Interior spaces utilize plywood and timber to evoke warmth and a sense of connection to the natural setting. Large glass windows and doors enhance daylight penetration and panoramic views, enriching the visitor experience. The incorporation of recyclable insulation and a steel framework ensures energy efficiency while supporting the elevated design. The overall construction reflects a commitment to renewable resources, including solar energy systems, aligning with Iceland’s sustainability objectives.

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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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