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Tree-Integrated Design Featuring Natural Stone and Glass Walls for a Ski Retreat

Author:
Eunji Park
Tree-Integrated Design Featuring Natural Stone and Glass Walls for a Ski Retreat

Project in-detail

Integrating existing trees into a robust structure of natural stone and glass, the design offers a sustainable ski retreat that harmonizes with its pristine Icelandic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates existing trees into the living spaces, enhancing both aesthetics and ecology.
02
Constructed with natural stone for durability and thermal efficiency in a harsh climate.
03
Utilizes large glass panels to maximize views while providing passive solar heating.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that reduces wind resistance and snow buildup.
05
Includes an indoor garden that promotes biophilic design principles.

# Ski Snow Cabin Unit - Iceland

## Overview

The Ski Snow Cabin Unit is located in Iceland, strategically positioned to enhance its natural surroundings while providing a functional living space. The design emphasizes sustainability, practicality, and integration with the landscape, reflecting contemporary architectural practices that prioritize environmental harmony and modern living standards.

## Spatial Organization and User Functionality

The layout of the cabin is designed to maximize usability, providing distinct functional areas that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. It features a cozy living room with a fireplace, an open kitchen and dining area that fosters social interaction, and private sleeping quarters that evoke comfort while maintaining a connection to nature. The flexible, open-concept arrangement supports various activities, from relaxation after outdoor pursuits to hosting gatherings. Included within the plan is a maintenance garage, addressing the practical needs for winter sports equipment storage.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Material choices reflect durability, sustainability, and a commitment to aesthetic coherence with the natural environment. Natural stone, specifically limestone or basalt, lines both exterior and interior walls, contributing to insulation and weather resistance while echoing the rugged landscape. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light penetration and provides unobstructed views of the surroundings, establishing a visual dialogue between the interior and exterior. Wood elements, aligned with local construction traditions, may incorporate sustainable timber for structural and finishing details. Concrete, likely utilized in foundational aspects, offers stability, and steel fixtures are employed to ensure structural integrity against harsh climatic conditions.

The design's unique feature of integrating existing trees not only enriches the aesthetic of the cabin but also contributes positively to air quality and the local ecosystem. Additionally, the inclusion of an indoor garden promotes biophilic design principles, connecting occupants with nature and enhancing the overall ambiance. These elements, combined with careful site planning and optimal material selection, exemplify a thoughtful approach to architecture in a challenging environment.

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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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