Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façades in a Geothermal Retreat Embedded in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Sergio Sanfilippo, Alberto Bruno, Jacopo Consoli
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façades in a Geothermal Retreat Embedded in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades, the retreat harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape while incorporating geothermal energy systems to offer a sustainable lodging experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce construction time and improve insulation.
03
Features large glass façades that maximize natural light and views of the northern lights.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to blend into the surrounding topography.
05
Employs geothermal energy systems for heating and environmental efficiency.
Vogatjós Guest House is an architectural project located in Iceland that intentionally integrates with its rugged natural surroundings. This guest house functions as a retreat for visitors seeking a connection with the Icelandic landscape, offering a comfortable and immersive experience in a primarily natural context. The design is characterized by its commitment to both local cultural references and modern architectural principles, exemplifying how contemporary architecture can coexist with its environment.

The guest house comprises a series of interlinked volumes, each possessing distinct geometries and slopes that reflect traditional Icelandic building forms. This architectural strategy allows the structure to blend into the topography rather than dominate it. Large glass panels are strategically employed throughout, creating focal points for views of the stunning exterior landscape while maximizing natural light within the building. The choice of materials, such as locally sourced timber, metal, and stone, reinforces the connection to the environment and enhances the building's sustainability features.

Sustainability is a key focus of this project. The architecture utilizes geothermal energy for heating and incorporates water reuse systems that emphasize efficiency. By integrating smart technologies, including adaptive glass, the design responds dynamically to environmental conditions, optimizing comfort for the occupants while minimizing energy consumption.

The distinct architectural features include a central courtyard that showcases the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape, and communal spaces designed to facilitate social interaction and promote a sense of community among guests. Each guestroom is positioned to provide privacy while maintaining a strong visual connection to nature. This careful consideration of occupant experience is a defining element of the project.

The Vogatjós Guest House differentiates itself from other similar projects through its bespoke approach to site integration and the thoughtful scaling of spaces. By drawing from local architectural lexicons while employing contemporary materials and technologies, the design strikes a balance between tradition and modernity. The creative use of sloped roofs, combined with precise placements of expansive windows, ensures that the structure not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the natural beauty of its surroundings.

In examining the architectural design, the meticulous attention to detail becomes evident. The structural layout optimizes functionality, ensuring that both private and communal areas enhance the overall experience. Each aspect of the design demonstrates careful consideration of how architecture can interact with its environment while remaining efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

For those interested in more specific insights into this project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and in-depth architectural designs will provide a fuller understanding of the innovative ideas embedded within Vogatjós Guest House. Such details reveal the careful calibration of space and form that characterize this unique architectural endeavor.
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 17,249 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