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Birch and Trusscore Blend with Local Landscape for a Sustainable Hospitality Experience

Authors:
Sharon Leander, Sara Leilani Puuwaikoko Nishi
Birch and Trusscore Blend with Local Landscape for a Sustainable Hospitality Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with birch and trusscore, the design seamlessly integrates the hotel with Iceland's natural landscape while providing diverse hospitality experiences, including a brewery and wellness facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced birch to enhance warmth and sustainability.
02
Innovative use of trusscore panels in high-moisture brewing areas to prevent water damage.
03
Incorporates expansive views of Lake Mývatn through large, strategically placed windows.
04
Features a wellness spa with outdoor bathing options, emphasizing connection to nature.
05
Integrates cement siding for durability against Iceland's harsh weather conditions.

## Project Overview
Located in a rural area of Iceland, the Renna hotel encompasses a family-run establishment that incorporates a restaurant and brewery. The design intention centers around the concept of "Flow," which draws inspiration from Icelandic culture, emphasizing the dynamic interactions between nature and human activity. This project is strategically situated to enhance guest engagement with the surrounding landscape, promoting a sense of community and interaction.

## Spatial Configuration
The interior layout is meticulously organized into three distinct functional levels. The first floor features an open brewing area and café, designed to facilitate a seamless connection with the outdoors. On the second floor, expansive views of Lake Mývatn can be enjoyed from both private and communal spaces that prioritize relaxation. The third floor spa provides a more secluded experience, featuring treatment rooms and outdoor bathing facilities optimized for sunset views. This arrangement encourages exploration, with wide hallways and strategically positioned windows enhancing spatial dynamics and visual connectivity throughout the hotel.

## Material Selection
The material palette reflects both local environmental conditions and functional requirements. Birch wood, widely available in Iceland, is utilized for its warmth and texture, fostering inviting social spaces. In the brewing area, Trusscore is employed for its moisture resistance, while cement siding enhances durability against harsh weather. Concrete serves as a primary structural component, ensuring stability across various spaces. Tile is integrated in high-traffic areas for its ease of maintenance, and sandstone is strategically used to create visual coherence with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful materiality not only respects local craftsmanship but also reinforces a commitment to sustainability and longevity in design.

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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

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competition now

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