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Tetrahedral Roofs and Local Basalt Create Sustainable Refuge in the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Ruben Valentino S Giannini, Gregory Brookhouse, James Lee
Tetrahedral Roofs and Local Basalt Create Sustainable Refuge in the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

With its interconnected tetrahedral roofs crafted from mass timber and local basalt stone, the design serves as a sustainable retreat for outdoor enthusiasts amidst the rugged Icelandic terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tetrahedral roof design enhances snow shedding capabilities.
02
Locally sourced basalt stone integrates the structure with its environment.
03
Mass timber construction reduces the carbon footprint of the building.
04
Open facades maximize natural light and connection to the landscape.
05
Warm rooms are strategically placed for comfort after outdoor activities.

### Project Overview
The Iceland Ski Snow Cabin is located in a remote area of Iceland, thoughtfully designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape. It serves as a refuge for skiers while also functioning as a versatile space for various outdoor activities including climbing and hiking. The design is characterized by the use of tetrahedral forms, creating structures that are both practical and visually compelling.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes sustainable practices through the strategic selection of materials suited to the region's challenges. Mass timber serves as the primary framing material, providing structural strength and aligning with eco-friendly methodologies. Local basalt stone panels enhance the building's connection to the environment, while aluminium insulated sandwich panels offer durability and thermal performance. Extensive use of glass facilitates panoramic views, effectively bridging indoor and outdoor spaces while ensuring adequate insulation in less heated areas.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
Designed to accommodate a variety of functions, the interior layout is organized to enhance user experience. Key features include warm rooms and changing areas that provide shelter before and after outdoor activities, and dining areas that promote social interaction through both service and self-serve options. Informational zones educate visitors about local outdoor pursuits, fostering engagement with the natural surroundings. The building's geometry, with its triangulated roofs and open facades, not only responds to the aesthetic and functional demands of the environment but also enhances natural lighting and views, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all users.

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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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