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Hexagonal Cabins Featuring Climate-Resilient PVC and Renewable Energy Solutions

Authors:
Diana Martin-Ioja, Ioana Suceava
Hexagonal Cabins Featuring Climate-Resilient PVC and Renewable Energy Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed with hexagonal modules and durable PVC panels, these sustainable cabins harness renewable energy sources to provide flexible accommodation for trekkers in Iceland's harsh landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from hexagonal modules, allowing flexible configurations for varying group sizes.
02
Exterior utilizes durable PVC panels designed for weather resilience in harsh climates.
03
Integrated rainwater collection systems enhance sustainability and resource management.
04
Equipped with wind turbines and photovoltaic panels for self-sufficient energy generation.
05
Designed to mimic natural geological forms, blending seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape.

### Project Overview
The Metamorphic Icelandic Trekking Cabins are strategically designed to support trekkers in the varied terrains of Iceland. Located within a diverse ecological context, the project aims to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining a respectful integration with the natural landscape. The design prioritizes modularity, allowing for adaptable configurations that accommodate different group sizes and functions, thus enhancing user experience in remote locations.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality
The cabins utilize a hexagonal modular arrangement that mirrors the structural characteristics of Iceland's basalt columns, ensuring both stability and aesthetic coherence with local geological features. Each unit can be configured to house between two and ten occupants, with designated areas for sleeping, living, and essential services. The interior is constructed primarily from sustainable wood, providing a warm atmosphere, while the exterior is fortified with PVC panels to withstand harsh weather conditions. Additional insulation layers enhance thermal efficiency, ensuring a comfortable environment year-round.

### Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability is evident in the incorporation of advanced energy technologies. The cabins feature OLED panels and photovoltaic systems that harness both solar and wind energy, achieving a self-sufficient energy model suitable for remote settings. The innovative design allows for flexible adjustment of solar panels based on sunlight angles, optimizing energy capture. Furthermore, rainwater collection systems, supported by decorative downs and storage containers, enhance resource efficiency while aiding in structural stability against high winds. This comprehensive approach to energy management underscores the project's emphasis on ecological responsibility.

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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

Enter an open architecture
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