Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Prismatic Structures of Charred Wood Offering Safe Havens Along Iceland's Trekking Routes

Authors:
Olga Kuznetsova, Michael Ivanov
Prismatic Structures of Charred Wood Offering Safe Havens Along Iceland's Trekking Routes

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood and designed as prismatic structures, these shelters provide essential resting points for trekkers navigating the rugged landscapes of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and resistance to weathering.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, providing structural strength and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes wind resistance and maximizes stability.
04
Strategically positioned skylights enhance natural light while framing views of the northern lights.
05
Portable and temporary, allowing for seasonal adaptation to trekking routes and environmental conditions.

### Project Overview

The Ice-Lighthouses project involves the design of temporary vertical shelters along a trekking route in Iceland's diverse landscapes. Drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic architecture and lighthouse symbolism, these structures serve as both resting spots for hikers and navigational markers in the challenging terrain.

### Key Design Elements

**Form and Geometry**
The Ice-Lighthouses feature a prismatic shape that tapers upward, reminiscent of classic lighthouses. This form facilitates natural light penetration, creating bright, inviting interiors while withstanding harsh weather conditions. The geometric design also reflects the surrounding landscape, ensuring visual cohesion with the Icelandic mountains and glaciers.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The primary construction material is wood, chosen for its warmth and low environmental impact. The exterior showcases wooden cladding that integrates with the natural environment. Glass skylights enhance daylighting and provide views of the northern lights. Reinforced concrete is used at the base to ensure stability against potential coastal erosion. The design incorporates effective insulation and lower energy heating systems, promoting sustainability through passive solar gains and natural ventilation. Each shelter also serves as a cultural marker, enhancing the trekking experience by connecting users with local lore and history.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy