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Embracing Ice Forms With Charred Wood Shingles And Reinforced Concrete For A Winter Retreat

Authors:
Lilian Marie Thiry, Mia-magdalena Siller, Florian Taxer, Maximilian Böhm
Embracing Ice Forms With Charred Wood Shingles And Reinforced Concrete For A Winter Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed using charred wood shingles and reinforced concrete, the retreat seamlessly integrates into its snowy environment, providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts while fostering communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles that enhance durability in harsh climates.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal snow shedding and natural insulation.
04
Interactive infopoints embedded within the structure provide local slope information.
05
A central warmth area with a fireplace fosters community interaction among visitors.

### Overview
The Snow Carving Cave is an architectural installation situated in a snowy landscape, designed to integrate with the natural environment while providing functional spaces for visitors engaging in winter activities. The design philosophy centers on creating an organic structure that reflects the shapes and forms of the surrounding snow and ice, offering a warm retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

### Spatial Organization
The internal layout of the Snow Carving Cave is strategically planned to address the needs of visitors. Access to essential facilities, such as restrooms and dressing areas, is straightforward, with ramps provided for guests with disabilities. A central feature of the design is the warmth area, equipped with a fireplace and comfortable seating to encourage social interaction among visitors. An expansive viewing deck enhances the user experience by offering panoramic views of the landscape, while dedicated storage areas for outdoor equipment facilitate operational efficiency. Additionally, interactive infopoints throughout the facility deliver valuable information about the slopes and local history, enriching the visitor experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Careful selection of materials reinforces the building's connection to its environment. Reinforced concrete forms the structural framework, providing durability and textured surfaces that resonate with natural elements. Extensive use of glass ensures maximum light penetration and uninterrupted views, fostering a visual link between the interior and the exterior. Warm wood finishes contribute to the inviting atmosphere, while advanced insulation materials enhance energy efficiency and comfort in a cold climate. The design incorporates sustainable practices by minimizing visual impact and harnessing seasonal adaptability, ensuring a space that is functional and responsive to the changing 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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