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Curved Form With Locally Sourced Timber and Natural Stone For a Landscape Retreat

Authors:
Gülşah Kahraman, Gülsüm Katmer, Yusuf bera Bilici, Pınar Yazdıç
Curved Form With Locally Sourced Timber and Natural Stone For a Landscape Retreat

Project in-detail

Curved timber forms and natural stone blend seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, creating a sustainable retreat that invites visitors to engage with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved timber forms echo the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual integration with the site.
02
Large glass facades optimize natural light and provide uninterrupted views of the Icelandic scenery.
03
The use of locally sourced natural stone reinforces sustainability and regional identity.
04
Flexible interior spaces are designed for varied guest accommodations and communal interaction.
05
Charred wooden shingles offer aesthetic appeal while improving weather resistance and fire safety.
The Iceland Guest House project is an architectural design that emphasizes a strong connection to the surrounding landscape of Iceland. It serves as a retreat that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment while providing comfortable accommodations. The project is designed to harmonize with its setting, utilizing locally sourced materials that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The structure features a combination of sustainable timber, concrete, glass, and natural stone, each carefully selected to enhance both durability and the visual impact of the guest house. The use of natural materials provides warmth and engages with the local architecture, while large glass facades invite natural light and views of the landscape.

Unique Design Approaches
The Iceland Guest House stands out through its fluid design that reflects the undulating topography of the region. Instead of adhering to conventional rectangular forms, the architecture embraces curves and organic shapes that mirror the Icelandic terrain. This approach not only provides a distinct visual character but also fosters a sense of place, aligning the design closely with its geographical context.

Key features include flexible interior layouts that cater to various accommodation requirements and communal spaces that encourage social interaction among guests. Observation decks and terraces integrated into the design allow for panoramic views, providing spaces for both relaxation and contemplation. The architectural choices made throughout the project also address sustainability, with passive design strategies enhancing energy efficiency and indoor climate control.

Innovative Materials and Construction Techniques
The construction of the Iceland Guest House utilizes a diverse range of materials that contribute to its overall functionality and aesthetic. Sustainable timber forms the primary structural framework, promoting environmental responsibility. Concrete elements ensure stability while allowing for intricate geometric designs. The extensive use of glass emphasizes transparency and connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. Natural stone is employed for outdoor areas, reinforcing the connection between the building and its rugged landscape.

The architectural design is also characterized by its commitment to energy efficiency. The building's orientation, thermal mass construction, and natural ventilation strategies work together to minimize energy consumption. These considerations contribute not only to the project's sustainability but also to the comfort of its occupants.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Iceland Guest House project, including its architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas, further exploration of the presentation is recommended. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the design principles and unique approaches employed throughout the project.
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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
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