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Skyward-Facing Cabins With Turf Insulation and Charred Shingles for Sustainable Retreats

Authors:
Gordon Yung, Hamish Mclachlan, Margot Bowen
Skyward-Facing Cabins With Turf Insulation and Charred Shingles for Sustainable Retreats

Project in-detail

Designed with charred shingles and turf insulation, the modular cabins integrate seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape to provide a sustainable retreat focused on stargazing and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates turf insulation, reflecting traditional Icelandic construction methods for energy efficiency.
03
Features modular design allowing flexible internal configurations for different group sizes.
04
Cabins are oriented to maximize panoramic views of the night sky, promoting stargazing experiences.
05
Central lodge includes communal fire pits to encourage social interaction among guests.

## Overview

The Mývatn Lights project is situated near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, an area distinguished by its unique geological features and natural occurrences such as the Northern Lights. The design aims to create functional living spaces that foster a connection to the surrounding landscape while accommodating the needs of diverse visitors. The intent is to provide an immersive experience that highlights the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

## Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization consists of a series of cabins alongside a communal lodge, each strategically placed to optimize views and access to the natural environment. The layout includes different cabin configurations—accommodating one, two, and four guests—to suit various visitor demographics. The communal lodge serves as a central gathering point, designed to provide warmth and comfort while contrasting with the expansive outdoors.

## Material Considerations

Material choices reflect both local traditions and contemporary architectural practices. Timber is primarily used for structural components and finishes, enhancing the organic feel of the residential spaces. Large windows are incorporated to frame views of Lake Mývatn and the night sky, promoting natural light. Turf is employed for insulation, referencing traditional Icelandic building methods, while concrete provides necessary stability against the region's dynamic climate. Communal fire features encourage social interaction, aligning with historical community-building practices.

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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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