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Curvilinear Forms and Lava Rock Integration in a Scenic Guest House

Author:
Yechan Park
Curvilinear Forms and Lava Rock Integration in a Scenic Guest House

Project in-detail

Defined by its curvilinear forms and local lava rock integration, the guest house offers a unique retreat that connects guests with the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Defined by curvilinear shapes that mimic the flow of the aurora borealis.
02
Incorporates local lava rock to enhance the connection with its volcanic environment.
03
Features frosted glass partitions for privacy while maximizing natural light.
04
Strategically oriented to minimize external noise and optimize landscape views.
05
Includes communal spaces designed to encourage social interaction among guests.

The Aurora Guest House is a contemporary building located in the captivating landscape of Iceland. It aims to create an experience that allows guests to connect with the beauty of the aurora borealis while offering essential services in a comfortable setting. The design integrates natural inspiration and hospitality requirements, marked by unique shapes and harmonious relationships with the surrounding environment.

Conceptual Framework

The design draws heavily from natural phenomena, particularly the aurora. The distinct shapes of the building strive to mimic the fluid motion of the aurora itself. Inspiration also comes from the silhouette of women's shoes. This cultural reference adds depth to the form, linking the site to a broader narrative about beauty and nature. The building becomes a physical manifestation of this dialogue, blending cultural significance with its scenic backdrop.

Spatial Organization

Upon entering, visitors find themselves in communal spaces that include the reception, lobby, kitchen, and dining areas on the first floor. This layout encourages interaction among guests and fosters a sense of community within the guest house. The second floor is dedicated to guest rooms, thoughtfully designed to provide privacy. Features such as partitions and frosted glass help maintain individual spaces while still offering views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.

Materiality

The materials chosen for the Aurora Guest House reflect its environment. Concrete is used primarily for structural integrity, allowing for the building's distinctive curved forms. Marble lends a sense of elegance to the common areas, while wood enhances comfort and warmth indoors. Lava rock connects the building more deeply to Iceland's volcanic geography, reinforcing the relationship between structure and site.

Design Details

The design captures the enchanting quality of the aurora through flowing forms and intentional spatial arrangements. The building's orientation towards the north minimizes outside noise while maximizing the views available to guests. Curved walls and large windows create connections between the inside and outside. This approach allows guests to engage with the breathtaking landscape, ensuring that natural beauty remains a focal point throughout their stay.

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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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