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Kebony Clad Shelter Featuring Anodized Facade for Sustainable Trekking Experiences

Authors:
Mariana Cassilha Stival, Luisa da Costa de Moraes, Maria Clara Iura Schafaschek, Ingrid Schmaedecke
Kebony Clad Shelter Featuring Anodized Facade for Sustainable Trekking Experiences

Project in-detail

Crafted with Kebony wood and an anodized aluminum facade, this environmentally sensitive cabin offers a retreat for trekkers, seamlessly integrating modern design with rugged Icelandic landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Kebony wood for enhanced durability while maintaining aesthetic warmth.
02
Anodized aluminum exterior provides weather resistance and reflects the natural surroundings.
03
Rainwater collection system integrated within the design for sustainable resource management.
04
Bent A-frame structure enables efficient snow shedding and maximizes natural light.
05
Modular components allow for easy transportation and assembly in remote locations.

# Architectural Design Report: Cabin for Iceland

## Project Overview

The cabin is situated in a distinct location where mountains and rivers intersect, designed to accommodate trekkers exploring the Icelandic landscape. The intent is to create a functional retreat that withstands the region's extreme weather while providing both individual and communal spaces for reflection and interaction among visitors.

## Spatial Design and User Experience

The architectural layout balances introspective and social environments. Generous communal areas are equipped with expansive windows to invite natural light and frame panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. A large triangular window serves as a focal point, enhancing the social experience while individual sleeping quarters offer privacy amid shared facilities, aligning with the dual themes of solitude and community.

Essential features include a technical core housing plumbing and storage, designed to minimize interruption to the living spaces. Cross-ventilation strategies promote a healthy indoor climate, addressing humidity and temperature fluctuations inherent in the local environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability

A combination of anodized polished aluminum and Kebony wood constitutes the exterior surface, promoting durability and aesthetic integration with the natural surroundings. Local materials, such as sheep wool for insulation, reinforce a commitment to sustainability while stimulating the regional economy. A hydrological system captures rainwater and snow, employing ultraviolet technology for purification, and solar panels alongside wind turbines contribute to the cabin's energy self-sufficiency, underscoring an overarching focus on ecological responsibility.

The modular construction allows for efficient transport and assembly in remote locations, showcasing a progressive approach to logistical challenges. The cabin's tilted roof design effectively manages snow and water drainage, and the overall form draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses, marrying modern architectural practice with local heritage.

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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
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