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Gabion Stone Walls and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Functional Shelter in Iceland's Rugged Landscape

Author:
Cornelis Johannes Bij De Vaate
Gabion Stone Walls and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Functional Shelter in Iceland's Rugged Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with gabion stone walls and cross-laminated timber, the facility offers a resilient and environmentally conscious shelter for outdoor enthusiasts in Iceland's rugged terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabion stone walls enhance structural stability while integrating with the local geology.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide thermal efficiency and reduce construction time.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and minimizes wind exposure.
05
A communal fire pit fosters social interaction and connection among users.

### Overview
The shelter for Skíðasvæði Mývetnings, located in Kröfla, Iceland, responds to the challenging climatic conditions and dramatic landscape of the Mývatn region. The design draws inspiration from local heritage, aiming to establish a meaningful connection with its geographic context while incorporating locally sourced materials to enhance its integration into the environment.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement
The layout centrally features an outdoor space, highlighted by a communal fire pit, which serves as the focal point for user interaction. The organization includes distinct functional areas such as a rest and warmth zone equipped with skylights for views of the Northern Lights, changing rooms and showers tailored for skiers and hikers, technical spaces for equipment storage, and a viewing deck that offers sweeping vistas of the landscape. This strategic arrangement enhances visitor flow and promotes engagement with the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality is a critical aspect of the design, ensuring functionality while reinforcing a connection to regional traditions. Specific choices include local stones utilized in gabion walls to add aesthetic appeal and thermal mass, an extensive use of timber providing warmth and versatility in finishes, and concrete for structural durability against harsh weather. The incorporation of a waterproofing membrane addresses moisture concerns, while the overall selection of materials aligns with sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact and respecting the integrity of the local ecosystem. Additionally, the integration of geothermal energy for heating highlights the project’s commitment to contemporary sustainability principles.

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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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