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Foldable Cabin With Lightweight Aluminum Structure and Panoramic Views for Trekkers

Authors:
Friedrich StFlorian, FAIA, Matthew Aiello, B.S. Architecture, Yu Cao, B.S. Landscape Architecture, David Odeh, Odeh Engineers Inc.
Foldable Cabin With Lightweight Aluminum Structure and Panoramic Views for Trekkers

Project in-detail

A foldable cabin with a lightweight aluminum structure and panoramic glass panels offers trekkers a resilient and sustainable shelter, seamlessly integrating modern design with the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable design allows for easy transport and rapid assembly in remote locations.
02
Panoramic glass panels optimize natural light and connectivity with the surrounding landscape.
03
Lightweight aluminum frame enhances structural integrity while reducing overall weight.
04
Integrated wind turbine supports energy self-sufficiency for off-grid living.
05
Rainwater collection system promotes sustainability and resource efficiency.

### Project Overview

The Iceland Trekking Cabin has been designed for a competition titled "Reaching For The Stars," with the objective of providing a functional and sustainable shelter for trekkers within the challenging Icelandic landscape. The design employs a pyramid form, recognized historically for its stability and adaptability, allowing it to perform effectively in dynamic environmental conditions.

### Geometric Structure and Spatial Composition

The architectural strategy centers on an interlocking system of triangular and polygonal forms that evolve from a folded to a fully expanded structure. This modular design enhances transportability and site-specific adaptability. Key aspects include foldability, which facilitates flexible assembly in various orientations, and visual continuity, created through sharp angles and overlapping planes that produce a dynamic aesthetic. These geometric elements not only serve to enrich the visual experience but also contribute to the overall structural integrity of the cabin.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials balances functionality with environmental considerations, reflecting Iceland’s ecological ethos. The cabin’s framework consists of lightweight aluminum, providing necessary strength with minimal weight. The exterior is clad in a lightweight tensile fabric, effective in insulation and weather resistance while supporting the folding design. Additional features such as insulated wall panels enhance energy efficiency, and glass panels allow natural light to permeate the interior.

The cabin incorporates renewable energy solutions, including a wind turbine for onsite energy generation and a rainwater collection system that promotes self-sufficiency. Moreover, battery storage located beneath benches aids in optimizing energy management, ensuring independence from external resources.

### Interior Design and Functionality

Inside, the cabin is designed around a functional layout that prioritizes comfort and social interaction. The sleeping loft features multiple beds, strategically arranged to maximize privacy and space, complemented by large windows that offer expansive views of the surroundings. The ground floor, designated as the living core, encourages communal activities and enhances the connection between occupants and nature. An open-plan layout and ergonomically designed furniture facilitate movement and interaction, reinforcing the cabin’s role as a communal retreat.

Overall, the Iceland Trekking Cabin stands out for its innovative folding mechanism, which allows for compact transport and assembly, seamless integration with the natural environment, and commitment to sustainable practices, making it a noteworthy example of contemporary eco-focused architecture.

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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

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