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Elevated Shelter Featuring Circular Design and Sustainable Timber Cladding

Author:
Yee Chien Lun
Elevated Shelter Featuring Circular Design and Sustainable Timber Cladding

Project in-detail

Circular design with elevated timber construction provides a sustainable and communal shelter for trekkers navigating the Icelandic wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on stilts to minimize environmental impact.
02
Circular layout fosters communal interaction among users.
03
Utilizes rainwater harvesting through an innovative roof design.
04
Incorporates large glass panels for panoramic views and natural light.
05
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.

### Overview

Located in the rugged terrain of Iceland, the Trekking Cabin serves as a shelter for trekkers, providing essential living accommodations while promoting interaction and connection with the surrounding environment. The design philosophy prioritizes sustainability and reflects an understanding of Iceland's unique cultural and geographical context. By emphasizing humility and purposeful use of space, the structure is intended to function as a sanctuary for individuals navigating the wilderness.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The cabin features a circular layout that encourages communal interaction in a central area while maintaining private sleeping quarters on the periphery. This spatial arrangement fosters a sense of community among users, supporting social bonds through shared spaces such as a reading nook and kitchenette. The design includes practical amenities without compromising the intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to recharge and reflect on their experiences throughout the day.

### Materials and Environmental Considerations

The design employs a range of materials that enhance sustainability and environmental integration. Elevated on stilts, the structure minimizes its ground impact and adapts to the varied terrain, reducing the risk of flooding and preserving local ecosystems. The use of wood for the main framework provides warmth and aligns with the natural aesthetic of the landscape, while a metal roof facilitates rainwater harvesting.

Additionally, solar panels can be installed to enhance energy efficiency, complemented by substantial glazing to maximize natural light and views. These choices reflect a commitment to ecological sensitivity, making the cabin a model for sustainable hospitality in outdoor settings.

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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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