Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Warmth in a Rural Guest House

Author:
Nicholas Horvath
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Warmth in a Rural Guest House

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and the structural warmth of cross-laminated timber, the guest house seamlessly blends into Iceland's rugged landscape while offering a comfortable retreat for travelers seeking connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The guest house incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the primary structural element, allowing for swift construction and sustainability.
03
A strategically bent A-frame design optimizes both interior space and exterior views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Large, floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate seamless connections between the interior and the natural wilderness.
05
An outdoor hot tub is integrated into the design, offering guests a unique way to experience the Northern Lights.
The guest house at Vogafjós Farm Resort exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architecture with its surrounding landscape, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors in Iceland. This project represents a commitment to enhancing the local character while providing modern amenities, making it both a functional space for hospitality and a celebration of the natural beauty that envelopes it. The design aims to create a harmonious relationship between guests and the picturesque environment, particularly drawing attention to the stunning Northern Lights that can often be witnessed in the region.

The guest house serves the essential function of providing comfortable accommodations for travelers seeking to engage with Iceland's distinctive landscapes. It is designed to accommodate varied types of visitors, from those desiring solitude amidst nature to groups looking for communal spaces. The layout promotes social interaction in communal areas while ensuring privacy in individual guest rooms, achieving a delicate balance that caters to diverse needs.

The design cleverly employs cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the primary structural element, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability and efficiency. This choice not only reduces construction time but also minimizes its environmental footprint. The warm tones of timber resonate well with the natural surroundings, providing an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the often harsh Icelandic climate. The building's low-profile form, which integrates seamlessly into the landscape, emphasizes horizontal lines that echo the expansive views characteristic of the area.

Large windows are a notable feature of the guest house, strategically placed to maximize views of the stunning landscape while allowing abundant natural light to flood the interiors. This connection to the outside world is further enhanced by well-considered sightlines that lead to both the distant mountains and the expansive sky, where guests can gaze at celestial wonders, especially during winter months when the auroras illuminate the night.

The clever inclusion of common areas enhances the experience, allowing guests to socialize while still feeling connected to the natural environment. These gathering spaces are equipped with large, comfortable seating arrangements, where visitors can relax and share experiences. The inclusion of an outdoor hot tub is another thoughtful design element, providing a serene space for guests to unwind while enjoying the spectacular setting of the Icelandic wilderness.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project. The selection of materials plays a crucial role in reinforcing the design philosophy. Beyond CLT, the use of local stone in the foundations connects the building to traditional Icelandic architecture and serves to ground the structure within the site. Interior finishes made from wood throughout the guest house create a warm and inviting aesthetic, further enhancing the sense of comfort and home.

Another distinctive aspect of the project is its emphasis on sustainability. The architecture integrates energy-efficient practices and local materials to minimize environmental impact. This attention to sustainable design not only augments the building's relationship with its context but also sets a standard for future developments in the region.

The guest house at Vogafjós Farm Resort stands as a testament to modern hospitality architecture that is both functional and aesthetic. It encourages a deeper engagement with the surrounding environment, inviting guests to immerse themselves in both the comfort of the space and the beauty of the Icelandic landscape. For an in-depth exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that shaped this project, readers are encouraged to review the detailed project presentation. Discovering these elements will provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas that guided this endeavor, shedding light on the thoughtful considerations behind its remarkable design.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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