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Shelters Crafted From Charred Wood Shingles and Basalt Aggregate For Sustainable Hiking Experiences

Authors:
Carlo Mazzeri, Veronica Brizzi, Marco Rizzi, Giovanni Simioni
Shelters Crafted From Charred Wood Shingles and Basalt Aggregate For Sustainable Hiking Experiences

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wood shingles and basalt aggregate, this shelter enhances the hiking experience by seamlessly integrating into the rugged Icelandic landscape while providing secure refuge and observation points for outdoor adventurers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced charred wooden shingles for durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design, optimizing space and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
04
Integrates renewable energy solutions like wind turbines for off-grid functionality.
05
Includes specific amenities for hikers, ensuring safety and comfort in remote environments.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland's rugged terrain, the project "Between the Road and the Stars" is designed to serve as a shelter for hikers while engaging with the distinctive topography and celestial features of the area. The design integrates two primary components: the "Volcano," providing a rest area, and the "Lighthouse," functioning as an observatory and energy source. The intent is to create a refuge that facilitates a connection between human exploration and the preservation of nature, enhancing the experience of both the landscape and the night sky.

### Spatial Strategy and Architectural Form
The architectural arrangement emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic engagement with the surrounding environment. The "Volcano" structure features a dynamic geometry that reflects the volcanic formations of the region, encouraging a dialogue with the landscape. Large windows promote panoramic views and allow for ample natural light within the shelter, creating an inviting atmosphere. Conversely, the "Lighthouse" adopts a tiered design to enhance visibility and serve as a prominent observational point, fostering a connection with celestial elements.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The construction materials were chosen to ensure sustainability while resonating with the local context. Key components include:

- **Wood**: Used in the structural framework and interior finishes, providing warmth and a tactile relationship with the environment.
- **Metal Sheet**: Utilized for the roofing, this material offers durability suitable for Iceland's harsh weather and provides a visual contrast to the wooden elements.
- **Basalt Aggregate**: Sourced locally, this material ensures structural integrity while maintaining a reduced ecological footprint.
- **Insulation Materials**: Strategically positioned within walls and roofs, these materials enhance thermal efficiency, ensuring comfort throughout varying weather conditions.
- **Adjustable Pods**: This modular construction approach allows for design flexibility and potential adaptive reuse, accommodating site-specific needs and evolving functions.

Incorporating renewable energy solutions such as wind turbines not only promotes sustainability but also adds practical value, enabling the project to stand resilient in a remote setting. The design also features practical elements like emergency services, enhancing safety and preparedness for users in the wild.

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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
competition now

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