Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Seasonally Adaptive Ski Cabin With Mass Timber Frame and Geothermal Heating

Author:
Benjamin Hall
Seasonally Adaptive Ski Cabin With Mass Timber Frame and Geothermal Heating

Project in-detail

Blending seamlessly with its snowy surroundings, the mass timber frame and geothermal heating create a sustainable retreat designed for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Seasonally adaptive design minimizes visual impact in winter months.
02
Mass timber frame construction enhances structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Geothermal heating system reduces energy consumption and environmental footprint.
04
Large glass facades provide panoramic views while maximizing natural light.
05
Horizontal louvres control snow accumulation and optimize indoor climate.

**Project Overview**

Located in the Northern Myvatn Region of Iceland, the Snowcatcher Ski Cabin is designed to serve dual functions that enhance the skiing experience while integrating with the surrounding landscape. The two-story design of the cabin prioritizes both aesthetic simplicity and seasonal adaptability, allowing it to reflect the serene beauty of its environment throughout the year.

**Spatial Configuration and Functionality**

The cabin's interior is systematically arranged to accommodate leisure and operational needs. The ground level features an entrance area that functions as a check-in and gathering space, alongside essential amenities such as restrooms and changing rooms for post-ski convenience. A sunken lounge area, centered around a fireplace, provides a comfortable setting with expansive views through large glass panels. On the second level, the dining area is designed to enhance the user experience with elevated sightlines, while multi-functional spaces allow guests to engage in food preparation and service at their discretion.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

Constructed with a mass timber frame, the cabin blends structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. The choice of materials is intentional, with large glass panels fostering a connection to the landscape and concrete used for durability and thermal mass. Steel louvres serve multiple purposes, acting as sun shading and snow management elements while contributing a contemporary design aesthetic. The integration of a geothermal heat pump underscores a commitment to sustainability, minimizing the ecological footprint and ensuring energy efficiency within the challenging climate of the region.

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