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Hempcrete Insulation and Metal Cladding in a Sustainable Ski House Design

Authors:
Haimei Li, Yicong Hua, Moning Zhang
Hempcrete Insulation and Metal Cladding in a Sustainable Ski House Design

Project in-detail

With a distinctive roof slope that maximizes natural light and a ski ramp providing direct access to the slopes, the ski house integrates hempcrete insulation and metal cladding to create a sustainable space for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
The ski house utilizes hempcrete insulation for improved thermal performance and sustainability.
02
A unique ski ramp design facilitates direct outdoor access while enhancing user experience.
03
The building orientation optimizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Metal cladding provides durability and low maintenance while blending with the alpine setting.
05
Roof slopes of varying degrees effectively manage snow runoff and enhance architectural aesthetics.

## Architectural Design Report: Ski House in Iceland

### Overview
Located within a vibrant alpine environment in Iceland, the ski house is designed to functionally address the needs of ski enthusiasts while respecting the natural landscape. This facility combines accommodation with recreational amenities, offering a dedicated space for relaxation and sport within the geographical context of the surrounding mountains and the phenomena of the Northern Lights. The design efficiently organizes various functions to enhance user experience while integrating harmoniously with its environment.

### Spatial Organization
The layout consists of three distinct divisions, each serving specific user interactions: a relaxing area, a sports division, and a central circulation zone. The relaxing division features a 30-degree angled roof that optimizes views of the mountainous terrain and the Northern Lights. This section includes a warmth space and garage, ensuring a visual connection with the landscape. The sports division incorporates a 15-degree ramp for safe skier access, providing designated areas for equipment storage and facilitating orderly user movement. The central division is characterized by a welcoming 60-degree roof slope that floods the space with natural light, incorporating secondary entrances for smaller groups while maintaining efficient circulation for larger gatherings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
In alignment with ecological intentions, the building employs sustainable materials such as metal paneling for durability, concrete for structural stability, and hempcrete insulation for its carbon absorption properties. Interior wood finishes in birch and pine provide warmth, contrasting with the exterior’s modern aesthetic. Additionally, non-slip rubber flooring is utilized in wet areas to enhance safety. Environmental strategies include solar panels integrated into the roof, rainwater harvesting systems, and strategic orientation to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial heating and illumination.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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