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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Efficiency in a Circular Hospitality Retreat

Author:
Emily Clabbers
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Efficiency in a Circular Hospitality Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and designed for geothermal efficiency, the circular retreat integrates seamlessly with Iceland's landscape while providing a unique accommodation experience for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Features expansive glass façades utilizing ETFE technology for natural light and energy efficiency.
03
Incorporates geothermal systems for heating and cooling, reducing environmental impact.
04
Designed with a circular layout to facilitate communal interaction while preserving guest privacy.
05
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and rapid construction.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the Icelandic Immersion Hotel aims to redefine the concept of hospitality by creating a holistic experience deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. The architectural intent is to harmonize built environments with natural features, allowing guests to engage with both the physical and cultural essence of Iceland. This design centers on fostering an immersive atmosphere that reflects the country's unique geology and climate, encouraging a symbiotic relationship between guests and their environment.

### Spatial Organization
The spatial layout includes a central hub encircled by individual guest pods, facilitating both community engagement and private retreat. The central hub serves as the primary gathering space, featuring versatile dining and relaxation areas beneath a green roof that integrates the structure with the surrounding landscape. This first-floor space promotes interaction through an open design and includes a community fireplace, while the second floor offers a rooftop lounge with sweeping vistas of the Icelandic scenery.

Individual guest pods, designed as mobile units, extend from the hub, empowering guests to choose between communal activities and solitary exploration. Each pod is equipped with interactive technology for navigation and features sustainable systems for waste management, water recycling, and geothermal energy usage, minimizing environmental impact while enhancing guest comfort.

### Material Selection
The project emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials. Wooden elements provide warmth and a connection to nature, while energy-efficient ETFE glass is incorporated to maximize natural light and exterior views. Durable aluminum contributes to modern aesthetics and low maintenance requirements. The green roof not only enhances insulation but also provides ecological benefits, promoting biodiversity. Insulation materials are chosen for thermal resistance, ensuring year-round comfort while minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

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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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