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Basalt Stone Facade With Green Turf Roof And Panoramic Views In A Sustainable Hospitality Space

Authors:
Jakub Jan Janas, Marijne maria theodora elisabeth Van der horst, Finn Snijders, Anna Geraerds
Basalt Stone Facade With Green Turf Roof And Panoramic Views In A Sustainable Hospitality Space

Project in-detail

A distinctive basalt stone facade complemented by green turf roofs seamlessly integrates with the Icelandic landscape, creating a sustainable hospitality space that prioritizes both environmental sensitivity and guest experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular layout allows for flexible room configurations tailored to guest preferences.
02
The incorporation of natural turf roofs enhances thermal performance and aesthetics.
03
Large glass panels strategically positioned maximize views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Basalt stone sourced locally ensures harmony with the Icelandic geology.
05
Innovative use of timber in structural elements emphasizes sustainability and warmth.

### Overview

The Sel Hotel, situated in Iceland adjacent to notable pseudo craters, is designed to blend traditional Icelandic architectural elements with contemporary hospitality functions. The project's intent is to foster a connection to the local environment and cultural heritage while providing modern amenities conducive to guest comfort. Through its architectural expression, the Sel Hotel seeks to create a dialogue between historic forms and contemporary needs within a striking natural context.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials is a pivotal aspect, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Key elements include basalt stone, which is locally extracted to establish a physical and visual connection with the landscape, embodying durability and permanence. Timber complements this material palette, utilized in roofing and internal structures, reflecting traditional building techniques while offering warmth and versatility. Grass turf is integrated into the green roofs, enhancing thermal insulation and promoting ecological harmony. Large glass panels are incorporated to maximize natural light and visual access to the surrounding vistas, thereby reinforcing indoor-outdoor connectivity.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout is meticulously conceptualized to facilitate varied user experiences through strategic spatial organization. The floor plan reveals a balanced arrangement of public and private areas, linked by corridors that are both functional and visually appealing. The design creates contrasting environments by transitioning from dimly lit corridors clad in basalt stone to brighter communal spaces, enriching the user experience. Distinct exterior volumes reference traditional forms while adapting to contemporary usage, allowing the hotel to resonate with its historical context while meeting modern expectations. The inclusion of viewing decks enhances guest interaction with the landscape, providing opportunities for appreciation of the natural surroundings.

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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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