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Sustainable Living in Shipping Containers Highlighted by Resilient Steel and Natural Wood Integration

Authors:
Claudia Morles, Jainish Radadiad
Sustainable Living in Shipping Containers Highlighted by Resilient Steel and Natural Wood Integration

Project in-detail

Modular shipping containers constructed with weather-resistant steel and natural wood elements create a flexible accommodation solution that seamlessly integrates with Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and provides a unique experience for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for rapid assembly and flexibility in configurations.
02
Shipping containers are used for structural durability and sustainability.
03
Strategic positioning maximizes views of the Northern Lights.
04
Integration of natural wood elements enhances aesthetic warmth.
05
Foundation-free design reduces environmental impact and enables relocation.

### Overview and Intent
The project is located in Northern Iceland and proposes a modular living environment utilizing repurposed shipping containers. The design aims to provide sustainable and flexible housing solutions for visitors while integrating the unique climatic and natural phenomena of the region, particularly the Northern Lights, into its concept. This approach emphasizes the aesthetic and functional aspects of the guest homes while considering the environmental context.

### Spatial Configuration
The site plan features a carefully organized arrangement of shipping containers that aligns with the existing topography. The curved layout promotes a collective experience among guests while ensuring privacy for each unit. The design accommodates varying group sizes, showcasing adaptability to fluctuating visitation patterns. This modulated spatial strategy reflects a response to the project’s intent, allowing for diverse guest experiences in a cohesive environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The primary structural material is weather-resistant steel inherent in the shipping containers, selected for its longevity and durability against the extreme Icelandic climate. Prefabricated elements enhance construction efficiency, significantly reducing assembly time and lowering costs compared to traditional methods. Additional components, such as high-performance insulation, glass windows for natural light and views, and wooden interior finishes, contribute to both functional and aesthetic qualities. This design promotes sustainable practices by recycling materials and advocating for reduced ecological footprints associated with conventional construction approaches. The anticipated outcome is both a flexible accommodation model and an illustrative example of sustainable architecture for comparable landscapes.

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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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