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Geothermal Retreat Featuring Repurposed Shipping Containers and Timber Elements in Iceland's Landscape

Author:
Merritt Heilman
Geothermal Retreat Featuring Repurposed Shipping Containers and Timber Elements in Iceland's Landscape

Project in-detail

With repurposed shipping containers and a geothermal energy system, this retreat seamlessly integrates sustainable practices into its design, providing guests with a unique opportunity to connect with Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat incorporates a geothermal energy system for heating and water conservation.
02
Interior spaces are designed with extensive glass walls to maximize views of the Northern Lights.
03
Repurposed shipping containers are used as modular guest units, promoting sustainability.
04
HTPE is employed to create lightweight, weather-resistant structures that blend with the landscape.
05
Natural materials such as locally sourced wood enhance the project's aesthetic and warmth.
This architectural project presents a thoughtfully designed hospitality retreat that emphasizes comfort, connection with nature, and sustainability. Situated in a serene, natural setting, the project serves as a remarkable blend of functionality and aesthetic value, creating a unique experience for its guests. It represents an innovative approach to architecture where human interaction, natural elements, and modern design converge.

At the core of the project is the Guest Zone, which functions as the heart of guest interaction and social gatherings. This area is designed to foster communal activity, with spaces dedicated to dining, relaxation, and entertainment. The layout ensures that visitors can engage with one another while being surrounded by the tranquility of the landscape. Adjacent to the Guest Zone is the Host Home, which provides a private yet accessible space for hosts to engage with their guests. This arrangement ensures a sense of family and hospitality, striking a balance between privacy and socialization.

The architectural design employs a variety of materials that enhance both durability and aesthetic qualities. High-Temperature Polyethylene is utilized for its lightweight and weather-resistant properties, creating structures that can withstand the elements while still providing visual appeal. Shipping containers are repurposed for the Guest Units, offering a sustainable approach to accommodation that is both practical and modern. The use of natural materials, particularly wood, enriches the project's interior design, fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere that resonates with comfort.

A significant unique feature of this project is its integration of sustainable practices, particularly through the use of geothermal energy. The design includes systems for capturing and storing water from snow melt, promoting a manner of living that respects and utilizes natural resources. Additionally, the layout is carefully crafted to ensure unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, giving guests a chance to experience this natural phenomenon from the comfort of their rooms.

Interior elements further enhance the overall design, with communal dining areas featuring wooden tables and comfortable seating arranged to facilitate conversation and engagement among guests. The guest units are designed for relaxation, with expansive glass windows that invite natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior environments.

The circulation around the site is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that paths connect the various zones without disrupting the natural terrain. This careful consideration of movement makes it easy for guests to transition between spaces, whether they are coming from the parking area or moving about within the guest facilities.

The architectural vision behind this project exemplifies a modern approach to hospitality that prioritizes the visitor experience while paying homage to the surrounding environment. Crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to sustainability, this design embodies principles that are increasingly important in contemporary architecture.

For those interested in exploring the details further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into the unique elements that make this project significant. Engaging with the architectural ideas behind this retreat offers an enlightening perspective on how thoughtful design can create harmonious spaces that encourage relaxation and connection with nature.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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