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Elevated Pyramidal Shelter Crafted from Larch Wood and Enhanced by Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Elisabeth van Overbeeke, Joseph Kan
Elevated Pyramidal Shelter Crafted from Larch Wood and Enhanced by Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

An elevated pyramidal structure, built from larch wood and designed for optimal airflow, provides a communal resting space for hikers along Iceland's Laugavegur Trek.
5 key facts about this project
01
An innovative truncated pyramidal design minimizes land disruption while providing expansive views.
02
Constructed primarily with larch wood, enhancing durability and thermal performance in harsh climates.
03
Features modular units that encourage social interaction among users while maintaining privacy.
04
Incorporates natural ventilation systems to enhance air quality without mechanical support.
05
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems, promoting sustainability in remote locations.

## Overview and Concept
Sky Attics is a modular architectural installation located in Iceland, strategically designed to enhance the hiking experience along the Laugavegur Trek. The project aims to provide essential resting and recovery spaces for trekkers, focusing on sustainability and user-centric functionality while easily integrating with the rugged landscape.

## Design Elements and Structure
The structure features a truncated pyramidal design that references traditional Icelandic architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. Elevated on slender supports, Sky Attics minimizes its environmental footprint, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem. Each individual module accommodates up to four users and includes multipurpose sleeping and living arrangements, featuring integrated sleeping pods that enhance privacy and maximize space efficiency. Access points, including aesthetically designed ladder systems, facilitate movement between levels and contribute to user safety.

## Environmental Integration and Materiality
Sky Attics employs a strategic approach to material selection, utilizing larch wood for its warm features and durability alongside metal cladding for weather resistance. Special consideration has been given to thermal efficiency, with R-25 insulated walls enhancing energy performance. The design incorporates low-flow fixtures and composting toilets, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, solar panels are integrated to support energy needs, while a rainwater harvesting system and large window openings optimize natural ventilation and improve the internal climate, fostering a deep connection with the surrounding environment.

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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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