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Huts Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in Remote Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Daniel Rostan, Marcus Schaarschmidt, Max Umbach, Max Umbach, Max Umbach
Huts Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in Remote Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from cross-laminated timber panels and accented with charred wooden shingles, these huts offer sustainable accommodation for hikers in Iceland’s remote terrain, emphasizing environmental sensitivity and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Modular construction allows for efficient transport and minimal environmental impact.
05
Integrated green roofs contribute to insulation and rainwater management.
The Nordurljos huts represent a thoughtful response to the unique challenges posed by Iceland's remote landscapes. This architectural project focuses on providing sustainable and comfortable accommodation for hikers exploring the rugged terrain. By integrating natural materials and energy-efficient systems, the design emphasizes harmony with the environment while offering essential amenities. The huts serve as a model for modern architecture that respects both the land and the local culture.

Sustainable Material Usage
The project utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Wood cladding provides warmth and comfort while reflecting traditional Icelandic building practices. Stone bases enhance structural integrity and thermal mass, reducing energy consumption by stabilizing indoor temperatures. Additionally, green roof systems not only insulate the structures but also manage rainwater runoff, reinforcing the project’s sustainable approach.

Community-Centric Design
Designed with communal spaces in mind, the project emphasizes social interaction among guests. The central community center includes shared cooking facilities and gathering areas, fostering a sense of connection while maintaining individual privacy in the sleeping modules. This spatial organization allows guests to engage with each other and the surrounding environment meaningfully. Such design creates an inclusive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of staying in the huts.

Unique Architectural Approaches
The architectural approach taken in the Nordurljos project incorporates modular construction techniques, allowing for efficient prefabrication and minimal site disruption. This adaptability ensures that the units can be transported to challenging locations, demonstrating a novel solution to accessibility in remote areas. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar panels, provides the huts with self-sufficiency while aligning with a zero-waste philosophy. These design elements distinguish the Nordurljos huts from other accommodation projects in similar landscapes.

For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that comprise the Nordurljos project, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. This exploration will provide further insights into the innovative strategies applied in this architectural endeavor.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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