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Triangular Lodge Crafted From Volcanic Stone and Birch With Communal Spaces Overlooking Scenic Slopes

Authors:
Wenshan Peng, Hongxu Bai, Dingmeng Liu, Weiqi Fan
Triangular Lodge Crafted From Volcanic Stone and Birch With Communal Spaces Overlooking Scenic Slopes

Project in-detail

A triangular form of volcanic stone and birch creates a lodge that not only withstands harsh Icelandic weather but also fosters community engagement through its multifunctional spaces tailored for skiers and tourists.
5 key facts about this project
01
The lodge's triangular shape optimizes snow shedding and structural stability.
02
Constructed with volcanic stone, enhancing durability and local integration.
03
Interior spaces prioritize community interaction with open, multifunctional layouts.
04
Built using birch, which is locally sourced and reflects traditional craftsmanship.
05
Thermal insulation glass allows for natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.

## Overview

The ski lodge is situated in Iceland’s rugged terrain, designed to blend traditional Icelandic architectural influences with a modern geometric approach. The intent is to enhance the experience of both skiers and tourists while addressing their functional needs. The building’s design reflects the surrounding natural environment, ensuring integration with the landscape and enriching visitors’ engagement with outdoor activities.

## Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout prominently features a triangular geometry, which balances aesthetic appeal with structural stability. This design approach optimizes resistance to wind and snow loads typical of the region. An open floor plan is employed to foster social interaction among guests, complemented by expansive windows that offer panoramic views of the mountainous landscape. The functional areas within the lodge are deliberately zoned to accommodate various activities, including dining, ski equipment storage, and relaxation spaces, thereby addressing the diverse needs of users.

## Materiality

The selected materials reflect a commitment to ecological sensitivity while harmonizing with local context. Downey birch is utilized for its durability and inviting aesthetic, ensuring both structural integrity and warmth indoors. Local volcanic stone forms a robust foundation, visually integrating the lodge into its natural setting. Thermal insulation glass is incorporated to optimize energy efficiency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior while maintaining temperature control. Additionally, flax fiber is used as insulation to enhance indoor air quality and comfort levels, thereby promoting a healthy environment for occupants.

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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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