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Earth-Sheltered Residence Constructed with Turf and High-Performance Glass for Enhanced Thermal Comfort

Authors:
Felipe Gallego Lopez, Valentina Agudelo Velez
Earth-Sheltered Residence Constructed with Turf and High-Performance Glass for Enhanced Thermal Comfort

Project in-detail

Constructed with earth-sheltered techniques and high-performance glass, this residence integrates traditional turf materials to optimize thermal efficiency while serving as a modern living space in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with an earth-sheltered approach, the design minimizes environmental impact while enhancing insulation.
02
The use of turf as a primary building material reflects traditional Icelandic construction techniques.
03
Large, strategically placed glass panels optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
04
The bent A-frame design creates an organic silhouette that integrates seamlessly with the landscape.
05
Local timber is employed for structural elements, ensuring sustainability and cultural relevance.

**Project Overview**
Located in Iceland, the Hollow Cabin represents a modern architectural adaptation of the traditional turf house, aiming to blend contemporary design with historical influences. The structure addresses the region's unique climatic and environmental conditions while prioritizing sustainability. The design reflects an understanding of Iceland's dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage, striving to create functional living spaces that resonate with their surroundings.

**Design Methodology**
The design draws inspiration from traditional turf houses, employing organic forms and interconnected spaces. The gentle curves of the cabin mimic the natural topology, allowing it to integrate into the environment. The layout fosters communal interactions through shared living areas while providing private retreats, emphasizing varied user experiences.

**Material Selection**
A carefully curated material palette ensures durability and minimizes environmental impact. Local wood contributes to structural integrity, while earth and turf serve as effective insulating materials, aligning with historical building practices. High-performance glass is utilized to maximize natural light and views without compromising thermal efficiency. A steel frame supports large open spaces, allowing for flexibility in function and layout.

**Sustainability Initiatives**
The Hollow Cabin employs passive solar heating and natural ventilation strategies to regulate indoor climate, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The design incorporates the site's topography to shield living areas from cold winds, enhancing thermal comfort. The careful integration of building materials and spatial organization supports ecological balance while respecting the landscape's natural contours.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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