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Geometric Cabin Design Featuring Solar Panels and Corrugated Metal in Iceland's Wilderness

Author:
Rodrigo Zayas
Geometric Cabin Design Featuring Solar Panels and Corrugated Metal in Iceland's Wilderness

Project in-detail

Constructed with a distinctive icosahedral shape and clad in corrugated metal, these modular cabins harness solar energy to provide sustainable shelter for trekkers navigating Iceland’s rugged landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an efficient icosahedral form to optimize wind resistance and structural stability.
02
Incorporates solar panels for renewable energy, enhancing sustainability in remote locations.
03
Constructed with corrugated metal panels for durability against harsh weather conditions.
04
Features a dual-level layout to maximize functional space and user convenience.
05
Employs local materials and geotextiles to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment.

### Project Overview
The Shelter Hubs project consists of a series of modular trekking cabins designed for outdoor enthusiasts in Iceland’s diverse terrain. The primary objective is to provide temporary shelters that withstand the local environmental challenges while prioritizing flexibility, ease of assembly, and sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy and Design Elements
Each shelter utilizes a modular system that adapts to various geological and climatic conditions, ensuring resilience in a dynamic landscape. The geometric design, inspired by the icosahedron, enhances manufacturing efficiency and minimizes wind resistance, which is essential in Iceland's high-wind environment. The thoughtful arrangement of upper and lower levels maximizes functional use, featuring amenities such as toilets, sinks, and showers for convenience, alongside sleeping areas and practical systems for water management and waste filtration.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The materials chosen for Shelter Hubs emphasize both durability and environmental compatibility. Integrated solar panels provide renewable energy for the shelters, while corrugated metal panels offer insulation against harsh weather, echoing traditional Icelandic architectural aesthetics. The use of geotextiles aids in natural water filtration, promoting environmental harmony. Large double-glazed openings facilitate natural light, improving interior conditions while maintaining energy efficiency. The combination of these elements underscores a commitment to sustainability and the efficient use of local resources.

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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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