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Basalt Monoliths and Mobile Dormitories Along the Lagoon

Authors:
Florence Côté, Francis Gaignard, Gabriel Lemelin
Basalt Monoliths and Mobile Dormitories Along the Lagoon

Project in-detail

Concrete monoliths and mobile dormitories are strategically positioned by the lagoon, creating an organized layout that enhances communal interaction while offering unique living experiences in the Reykjahlid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concrete monoliths integrate natural basalt aggregates for a rugged aesthetic.
02
Mobile dormitories offer flexibility in accommodation options for visitors.
03
The design promotes outdoor social interaction with informal paths and fire pits.
04
Structures are strategically placed to enhance views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The spa's minimal annex volume fosters a calming environment near the lagoon.

The site located in the Reykjahlid region of Iceland showcases a design that connects with the surrounding landscape of geysers, volcanic formations, and mountains. The focus is on creating a functional environment that encourages interaction among visitors while respecting the natural features of the area. The layout is divided into four main zones: Core, Home, Retreats, and Field, each serving specific purposes that enhance the overall experience.

Core
The Core zone features a main pavilion, a spa, and a stable. The main pavilion, with its solid and angular shape, is positioned to greet visitors as they enter the area. This design helps guide movement throughout the site. The stable, with its broad single-slope roof, is placed on the lowest plateau to protect it from strong winds. The spa is near the lagoon, designed with a minimal volume that contributes to a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Home
In the Home zone, the design prioritizes intimate living spaces. This area includes the owner’s residence and a maintenance garage. The ground floor hosts necessary services and private rooms while the upper floor includes common areas that lead to a roof terrace. This terrace is designed to function as outdoor space, offering shelter from harsh winds, which makes it more usable in various weather conditions.

Retreats
The Retreats zone consists of two long service buildings paired with mobile dormitories. This design provides flexibility in accommodations, allowing guests to choose whether they want to be more private or social. The dormitories rest on vehicles, featuring straightforward designs that invite users to engage with the landscape around them.

Field
The Field zone incorporates informal paths and fire pits, promoting social activities and a connection with the natural environment. These spaces emphasize the value of communal areas, where visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings together.

Materials used in the design include concrete with large exposed basalt aggregates for the service buildings, linking the structures to the local geology. Additionally, the use of corrugated steel siding in the served spaces enhances durability suitable for the region's weather. The combination of these materials supports the overall coherence of the design with its setting while prioritizing both functionality and comfort.

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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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