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Moveable Façade and Corrugated Steel Shelters Designed for Iceland's Harsh Landscape

Author:
SENEM BUSE ALBAY
Moveable Façade and Corrugated Steel Shelters Designed for Iceland's Harsh Landscape

Project in-detail

With a moveable façade crafted from corrugated steel, this sustainable shelter adapts to Iceland's extreme weather while providing hikers with comfortable accommodation in a remote landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from corrugated steel, the exterior provides durability while blending with the volcanic landscape.
02
The moveable façade allows for spatial adaptability in response to changing weather conditions.
03
Equipped with rainwater harvesting systems, enhancing self-sufficiency for remote users.
04
Sustainable energy is harnessed through strategically placed solar panels on the sloped roof.
05
Interior spaces utilize wood finishes, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in an industrial shell.

## Project Overview

Located in the rugged terrain of Iceland, the Trekking Cabins project seeks to harmonize traditional architectural principles with contemporary needs, addressing the challenges posed by the region's extreme climatic conditions. This design provides a functional and sustainable retreat for users engaged in outdoor exploration, integrating historical architectural elements with practical modern features to create resilient living spaces.

### Adaptive Design Strategy

The project emphasizes adaptability in response to Iceland’s variable landscapes, characterized by harsh weather and varying environmental demands. The cabins utilize a modular approach, allowing for dynamic expansion and contraction throughout the seasons. This design reflects the historical practices of early settlers who adapted their living spaces to the local climate while providing a modern solution for today’s adventurers.

### Structural and Material Specifications

The cabins are composed of a compact, box-like form, optimized for thermal efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Key features include:

- **Movable Surfaces:** Mechanical elements that enable the structure to adjust to weather conditions, enhancing user interaction with the environment.
- **Sloped Roofs:** Designed to manage snow loads while integrating solar panels for energy generation and systems for rainwater harvesting, promoting sustainability.

The selected material palette consists of durable elements suited to the landscape:

- **Black Corrugated Steel:** Serving as the primary exterior cladding, this material offers longevity and insulation while allowing the cabins to blend into their volcanic surroundings.
- **Glass:** Strategically incorporated to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors.
- **Wood:** Used internally to introduce warmth and comfort, contrasting with the exterior's industrial quality.

### Spatial Configuration and Amenities

The internal layout prioritizes functionality and user comfort. Key organizational elements include:

- **Entry and Storage Areas:** Designed for efficient organization of hiking equipment and including spaces for technical gear, supporting sustainability.
- **Common Amenities:** Facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and shared dining areas enhance comfort and promote community among users.
- **Flexible Space Utilization:** The design permits expansion as necessary, adapting to varying user requirements and enhancing the living experience.

### Sustainability Measures

Commitments to ecological responsibility are evident throughout the design, characterized by:

- **Energy Generation:** The integration of solar panels allows for self-sufficient energy use, reducing reliance on nonrenewable resources.
- **Water Management:** Innovative rainwater harvesting systems reduce the environmental footprint, ensuring that the cabins provide for users' needs while preserving local resources.

These attributes position the Trekking Cabins as not only innovative architectural solutions but also as practical responses to the demands of their unique environment.

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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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