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Extruded Cave Form With Insulated Steel Joists and Natural Stone Fireplace Serving as a Retreat in Iceland

Author:
Hector Efren Gutierrez
Extruded Cave Form With Insulated Steel Joists and Natural Stone Fireplace Serving as a Retreat in Iceland

Project in-detail

The extruded cave design, constructed with insulated steel joists and enhanced by a natural stone fireplace, provides a functional retreat for visitors seeking shelter in the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extruded cave design optimizes user experience by creating seamless transitions between spaces.
02
Insulated steel joists enhance structural durability while providing effective thermal insulation.
03
Natural stone fireplace serves as a central gathering point, reflecting local geology.
04
Spiral layout promotes accessibility and encourages interaction among users.
05
Observation deck offers elevated views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection to nature.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, the Hellir Cabin is designed to provide shelter and comfort for adventurers navigating the region’s extreme climate. The concept draws inspiration from natural caves, employing an extruded cave form that mirrors the geological features of the landscape. The design prioritizes user interaction with the surrounding environment while ensuring functionality, emphasizing warmth and accessibility as central elements.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement
The cabin's layout is strategically organized around a central fireplace, serving as a communal hub that fosters social interaction. The first floor includes easily accessible changing rooms, shower facilities, and a rest area, all oriented to promote ease of movement and accessibility. On the second floor, an observation deck allows guests to experience panoramic views of the landscape and auroras, further enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior environments. This arrangement not only supports individual relaxation and wellness but also encourages communal gathering, thereby enriching the user experience.

### Material and Façade Design
Material selection plays a crucial role in establishing the cabin's relationship with its natural surroundings. Insulated steel joists provide structural support, while double-glazed windows ensure thermal efficiency without compromising on daylight intake. The use of wood cladding on the interior adds warmth, contrasting with the exterior's resilient materials designed to withstand harsh weather. The building’s façades feature gentle curves, reflecting local landforms and contributing to its organic aesthetic. The white exterior facades are effective in blending with the snow-covered landscape, promoting ecological harmony.

Interior spaces are characterized by a meticulous balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The fireplace, designed as a central gathering point, draws users together, imbuing the space with a sense of comfort reminiscent of natural hearths. Spa facilities and water features provide additional layers of tranquility, enhancing the overall wellness experience within this retreat.

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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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