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Sloping Roofs and Sustainable Wood Create An Eco-Friendly Ski Retreat in Iceland

Authors:
Esta Matković, Branka Volf
Sloping Roofs and Sustainable Wood Create An Eco-Friendly Ski Retreat in Iceland

Project in-detail

Constructed with a sloping roof and sustainable timber materials, the cabin seamlessly blends into its Icelandic landscape, offering an inviting retreat for skiers amid the rugged mountains.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cross-laminated timber for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for increased durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize wind resistance and snow shedding.
04
Large south-facing windows provide passive solar heating while framing landscape views.
05
Includes a multifunctional outdoor viewing deck designed to engage with the surrounding environment.

### Overview
The ski snow cabin is located in Iceland, designed to harmonize with the region's natural environment while providing functional spaces for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. The architectural approach considers the geographical context, climatic conditions, and cultural heritage of the area, resulting in a structure that is practical and environmentally responsive.

### Spatial Strategy
The cabin's design reflects a careful consideration of both communal and individual needs, optimizing layout for comfort and functionality. A spacious living area serves as the central hub, encouraging social interaction among guests, while strategically placed changing rooms offer direct access to ski equipment storage for ease of use. Resting areas provide panoramic views and are highlighted by a central fireplace, creating a warm atmosphere in contrast to the surrounding cold. The layout also benefits from solar orientation, featuring large south-facing windows that facilitate passive solar heating during winter.

### Material Considerations
Materials selected for the cabin emphasize sustainability and integration with the local environment. Large glass windows enhance natural light and connection to the surrounding landscape, while wood elements create a tactile warmth consistent with Iceland's natural aesthetics. Steel serves as the structural framework, ensuring durability against extreme weather, and copper roofing offers both visual texture and longevity. Ceramic tiles are incorporated for thermal mass, contributing to an efficient indoor climate. The material palette has been consciously chosen to resonate with Iceland’s rugged topography and climatic demands.

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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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