Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Trekking Cabin Featuring Corrugated Metal Roof and Expansive Glass Facades

Authors:
Weston Baker, Sonya Mantell
Sustainable Trekking Cabin Featuring Corrugated Metal Roof and Expansive Glass Facades
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with locally sourced wood and a corrugated metal roof, the cabin offers expansive glass facades that connect occupants to the breathtaking Icelandic landscape while providing a functional retreat for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced timber, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features a corrugated metal roof designed for efficient snow drainage.
03
Incorporates large glass facades for panoramic landscape views.
04
Sleeping quarters designed for communal living, accommodating multiple guests.
05
Built to withstand Iceland's harsh weather while promoting energy efficiency.

# Analytical Report: Norse House Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in Iceland, the Norse House is designed as a trekking cabin for visitors engaging with the distinct Icelandic landscape. The project aims to provide a functional shelter that embodies both modern and traditional architectural elements, ensuring comfort and adaptability to the region's varying weather conditions. The cabin is strategically positioned amid rugged mountains and expansive vegetation, enhancing its relationship with the surrounding environment.

## Structural Configuration

### Architectural Form and Roof Design

The Norse House features a triangular A-frame design, which contributes to efficient drainage of precipitation and snow. The sloped roof, crafted from corrugated metal, enhances durability and facilitates water management; it directs melted snow toward a collection point at the rear for use in the kitchen. The primary structural framework comprises locally sourced wooden beams, reflecting traditional Icelandic construction practices while allowing for spacious and open interior arrangements.

### Material Selection

Material choices emphasize sustainability and local context. Locally sourced wooden beams not only provide structural integrity but also resonate with Iceland's historical building materials. The corrugated metal roof is both functional and visually appealing, while large glass facades allow for panoramic views and an influx of natural light, fostering a strong connection to the exterior landscape. High-efficiency insulation materials are incorporated to optimize energy conservation and maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

## Interior Organization and User Experience

### Adaptive Layout

The interior layout is designed to accommodate diverse visitor needs, featuring communal spaces alongside private sleeping quarters. The sleeping area includes up to eight bunk beds, promoting social interaction among guests. A spacious lounge area encourages relaxation and engagement, complete with comfortable seating and a fireplace. Essential facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas are strategically positioned to enhance space utilization and overall user experience.

### Outdoor Interaction

Outdoor integration is a key aspect, with a deck extending towards nearby water and pathways designed to connect with the natural terrain. This encourages exploration and interaction with the landscape, enhancing the visitor experience while maintaining respect for the site's ecological integrity.

The Norse House exemplifies a thoughtful balance of design, materiality, and functionality suitable for the Icelandic environment. Its ability to adapt to different terrains further underscores its innovative approach in architectural practice.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
new
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy