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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 are situated within the Las Águilas Mountain Range in Iceland, designed specifically for hikers navigating the country’s rugged terrains. This project seeks to create a sustainable accommodation solution that respects the surrounding natural landscape while embodying principles of functionality and cultural sensitivity. The design draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic architecture, integrating contemporary materials and efficiencies to enhance user experience.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization
The huts utilize a modular structure that allows for prefabrication, optimizing construction timelines and minimizing ecological disruption. Angular rooftops reflect the mountainous environment, creating a profile that aligns with the landscape's aesthetics. Spatially, the layout is divided into designated zones: a community center fosters social interaction, while private sleeping modules ensure comfort and privacy. Essential facilities, including restrooms and showers, incorporate efficient water management systems, contributing to the overall functionality of the design.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials emphasizes both local sourcing and sustainability. Wood is employed for wall cladding, providing warmth and aligning with eco-friendly practices, while local stone contributes to structural integrity and thermal efficiency. Green roof systems enhance insulation and facilitate rainwater management, further integrating the huts into the natural ecosystem. Renewable energy solutions, such as wind turbines and solar panels, are proposed to support the huts' energy needs, aligned with a zero waste philosophy aimed at minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

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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

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