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Shipping Container Cabin With Butterfly Roof and Rainwater Harvesting System

Author:
Jessica Ramirez
Shipping Container Cabin With Butterfly Roof and Rainwater Harvesting System

Project in-detail

A shipping container cabin with a butterfly roof harnesses rainwater and solar energy, providing a self-sufficient retreat for trekkers in Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shipping containers are repurposed to create the cabin’s durable structure.
02
The butterfly roof allows for effective rainwater collection and minimizes wind resistance.
03
Solar panels are integrated into the roof for renewable energy generation.
04
A compost toilet system supports ecological sustainability on-site.
05
Reclaimed wood finishes enhance interior warmth while promoting resource efficiency.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, the Container Trekking Cabin is designed to provide a self-sustaining living space for trekkers and adventurers, while effectively responding to the region's challenging climatic conditions. Utilizing repurposed shipping containers, the project emphasizes sustainability and functionality, fostering a user-friendly environment that merges with the surrounding landscape.

### Structural Design and Material Choices
The project employs two interconnected twenty-foot shipping containers as the primary structural elements, promoting both efficient transport and minimal resource consumption. The butterfly roof not only enhances the cabin's aesthetic appeal but also facilitates rainwater collection and optimizes the positioning of solar panels, thereby contributing to efficient energy use. Interior finishes feature reclaimed wood, offering warmth and comfort against the exterior metal cladding, which ensures durability. Composite materials used in bathroom facilities further reduce ecological impact by minimizing water consumption.

### Spatial Organization
The layout is strategically compartmentalized to balance communal and private spaces. The front section serves as a gathering area, equipped with a kitchen and living space that encourages interaction among guests post-activity. In contrast, private sleeping quarters at the rear promote restfulness while incorporating large windows that maintain visual continuity with the natural surroundings. Additionally, the inclusion of a small chimney allows for flexible heating options, enhancing the cabin's functionality during colder periods.

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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

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