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Translucent Polycarbonate Shelter Merged with Volcanic Pebble Aesthetics for Communal Accommodations

Authors:
Sophie McCarthy, Fiona Kirkwood
Translucent Polycarbonate Shelter Merged with Volcanic Pebble Aesthetics for Communal Accommodations

Project in-detail

The seamless integration of translucent polycarbonate and locally sourced volcanic pebble creates a unique visual experience in a communal shelter designed to accommodate hikers in the Icelandic wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes polycarbonate cladding for enhanced light diffusion and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates locally sourced volcanic pebble for a natural aesthetic and climate resilience.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Orientation optimized for northern views, enhancing visibility of natural phenomena.
05
Includes operable panels for natural ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial climate control.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the "Iceland Spar" serves as a way-finding hut for hikers and travelers, designed to resonate with the region's geological characteristics and the historical navigation practices of the Vikings. Its form combines prismatic transparency with functional elements, established within the context of Iceland's dramatic landscape, which includes glaciers, mountains, and distinctive light conditions.

### Spatial Strategy
The hut's spatial organization enhances user experience while allowing for natural light and environmental interaction. The ground floor features a lobby leading to a shared sleeping area for up to ten individuals, designed with volcanic-rock cladding to provide a calming environment during the cold nights. On the first floor, washing facilities are arranged in a semi-open layout, benefiting from daylight filtered through polycarbonate cladding. The second floor functions as a communal living space, promoting social interaction with high ceilings and expansive views. A roof terrace on the third floor offers panoramic vistas, strategically oriented to highlight natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights.

### Material and Structural Integrity
The material palette emphasizes durability and sustainability, incorporating polycarbonate cladding for its lightweight properties and natural light diffusion. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is utilized for structural support, providing strength while harmonizing aesthetically with the landscape. A volcanic pebble finish at the base integrates the hut with its surroundings, while operable panels facilitate natural ventilation. The structural system employs innovative timber bracing strategies, maximizing strength without adding excessive weight, ensuring a robust yet visually appealing frame that responds to the environmental challenges of the area.

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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

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