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Cantilevered Geothermal Retreat With Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades

Authors:
Elizabeth Compean michel, Juan jesús Garcia castro, Gian piero alessi Suarez del real, Luis Lambert goldaracena
Cantilevered Geothermal Retreat With Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades

Project in-detail

A cantilevered structure clad in charred wooden shingles and expansive glass offers a contemporary interpretation of Icelandic hospitality, designed to provide guests with immersive views of the surrounding landscape while prioritizing sustainability through geothermal energy use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design creates unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Geothermal heating systems utilize Iceland's natural resources for energy efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and increased durability.
04
Custom cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity and design flexibility.
05
Natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, enhancing guest experience.

### Overview

Björk Guest House is located in a remote area of Iceland, characterized by its stunning landscapes and phenomena such as the Aurora Borealis. The architectural design sought to minimize environmental disruption while maximizing the occupants’ connection to the surrounding natural beauty. The structure comprises a series of cabins and communal spaces that adapt to the site's topography, allowing for unobstructed views of the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the guest house prioritizes functionality and user experience by delineating distinct areas for public, semi-public, and private use. The central guest house serves as the primary communal space, designed to foster social interaction while providing expansive views. Cantilevered sections of the building enhance visibility and ensure privacy for users. The modular cabins, strategically positioned throughout the site, maintain individual privacy while being oriented to offer guests intimate views of the northern lights, enhancing their overall experience.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design, with careful consideration given to durability and sustainability. Reinforced concrete serves as the structural foundation, providing strength for the cantilevered elements. Extensive glass panels are incorporated to optimize natural light and create transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. Wood accents add warmth and a natural feel, while geothermal systems harness subsurface heat for efficient heating, minimizing environmental impact in the harsh climate. The choice of materials reflects the local geology and ecology, fostering a connection to the landscape.

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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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