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Elevated Green Roofs and Timber Frame Integration in a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Jocelyn Arnold, Cheryl Lim
Elevated Green Roofs and Timber Frame Integration in a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

The integration of a green roof with timber framing, drawing on local vernacular architecture, creates a harmonious wellness retreat that emphasizes ecological sensitivity while offering communal spaces for relaxation and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a distinctive green roof that promotes local biodiversity.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and integrate with the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing waste.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and improves thermal performance.
05
Community spaces are designed to facilitate interaction and foster social connections.

### Overview
Located near Lake Myvatn in Iceland, the Down to Earth project is a contemporary architectural design that integrates human activity with the surrounding natural environment. The design emphasizes functionality while drawing inspiration from local vernacular architecture, particularly traditional turf houses. Its strategic positioning allows for expansive views of the lake, enhancing both the visual and experiential connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Spatial Organization
The layout is carefully structured to facilitate both user interaction and comfort. Key areas include a café and kitchen, encouraging communal gathering, and dedicated beer tasting and brewery spaces that highlight local culture. The inclusion of a wellness module featuring beer baths and sauna facilities further enriches the user experience. The basement houses additional amenities, including treatment rooms and lounges, ensuring a comprehensive offering of relaxation and engagement opportunities.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material choices are crucial in reinforcing the ethos of the project. The framework primarily utilizes glulam beams for structural integrity and warmth, while a green roof system contributes natural insulation and promotes biodiversity. Large glass façades maximize natural light and provide panoramic views, fostering an intrinsic connection with the landscape. Concrete is utilized in the foundation to ensure durability, embedding sustainability within the project's construction.

This combination of materials reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with the project's overall intent of harmonizing architecture with nature. By utilizing local craftsmanship and integrating ecological considerations, the design not only respects its context but also establishes a framework for future sustainable development in the region.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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