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Floral Geometric Shelter Constructed With Aluminum Composites and Insulated Panels

Authors:
Mark Nixon, Viliina Koivisto
Floral Geometric Shelter Constructed With Aluminum Composites and Insulated Panels

Project in-detail

Crafted with aluminum composites and inspired by traditional Icelandic floral patterns, the cabin offers a modular design that seamlessly integrates functionality for trekkers within the rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a star-like geometric design inspired by Icelandic floral patterns.
02
Constructed with lightweight aluminum composites for easy transport.
03
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.
04
Features modular interior components for flexible use by different group sizes.
05
Equipped with strategically placed roof lights for natural ventilation and light.

## Project Overview
**Project Name:** The Rose Cabin
**Competition:** Iceland Trekking Cabins Competition
**Date:** August 17, 2016
**Location:** Iceland

The Rose Cabin is a design proposal developed for the Iceland Trekking Cabins Competition, drawing inspiration from Icelandic culture and the traditional art of knitting, particularly the "rose pattern" commonly found in Icelandic textiles. This architectural endeavor aims to create a structure that harmonizes with the rugged landscape of Iceland while reflecting the warmth and comfort associated with woolen garments and Icelandic heritage.

## Spatial Strategy
The cabin's design features a distinctive star-like geometric configuration that symbolizes a flower, integrating aesthetics with functionality. This layout not only enhances visual appeal but enables a flexible internal arrangement. A central space is designated as living and sleeping quarters, incorporating modular components to meet the needs of trekkers and travelers. The cabin emphasizes natural ventilation through operable roof lights, fostering a healthy indoor climate while maximizing the connection to surrounding landscapes.

## Sustainable Material Choices
The material selection is pivotal for ensuring durability and adaptability in Iceland's challenging environment. The cabin employs aluminum composites for their lightweight and resilient properties, facilitating transport and assembly. Insulated panels contribute to thermal efficiency, crucial for maintaining comfort in cold conditions. Additionally, integrated water collection systems channel rainwater, reinforcing the design's commitment to sustainable practices and minimizing environmental impact.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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