Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Turf-Embedded Cabin Featuring Sustainable Wooden Elements in Iceland's Winter Landscape

Author:
Yixuan Cai
Turf-Embedded Cabin Featuring Sustainable Wooden Elements in Iceland's Winter Landscape

Project in-detail

Embedded into the Icelandic landscape, the turf-roofed cabin seamlessly integrates local timber and glass to create a functional retreat for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Embedded in the hillside to reduce visual impact.
02
Utilizes turf roofing to enhance insulation and blend with the environment.
03
Features expansive glass windows for optimal views of the Northern Lights.
04
Incorporates a communal hearth as a central gathering point.
05
Constructed with local materials to emphasize regional architectural heritage.

### Overview

Located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, this cabin project is designed to harmonize with the area's striking landscapes and geological characteristics. Drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses and the enchanting display of the Northern Lights, the cabin serves as both a social hub for winter sports enthusiasts and a space for relaxation. The architectural approach reflects the region's cultural heritage while integrating comfortably into the natural environment.

### Spatial Integration and Form

The design emphasizes a strong connection to its natural context by incorporating a partially subterranean structure that reduces its visual footprint. This approach enhances the relationship between the architecture and the surrounding terrain, utilizing natural insulation techniques based on traditional building practices. The cabin's dynamic form, characterized by fluid lines and curves, evokes the movement associated with skiing and mirrors the subtleties of the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials is vital in creating a warm and integrated atmosphere within the cabin. Wood serves as the primary structural element, providing stability and warmth, while turf is utilized for green roofing, allowing the building to blend with the hillside. Expansive glass windows frame stunning views of the landscape and the auroras, enhancing the natural light within the cabin. Stone may be featured at the base, grounding the design in its environmental context. These material selections not only honor the region's architectural history but also align with sustainable design practices, minimizing ecological impact and promoting efficiency in energy use.

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

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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