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Geothermal Retreat Surrounded By Black And White Landscapes

Authors:
Anna Osadcha, Anna Nenko
Geothermal Retreat Surrounded By Black And White Landscapes

Project in-detail

A geothermal retreat, framed by contrasting black and white colors, emphasizes sustainability through integrated recycling systems while providing a serene environment for relaxation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal heating is utilized to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.
02
Integrated recycling systems convert restaurant waste into compost for Greenhouses.
03
The color palette is inspired by the local black sands and gray skies.
04
A multifunctional hall adapts for film screenings, yoga, and conferences.
05
The design emphasizes views of the Hverfjall volcano and surrounding landscape.

The design located near the Mývatn nature baths in Iceland features an architectural concept that blends with the natural landscape. It serves as a retreat for visitors, providing a space to unwind after exploring the area's unique geothermal features. The building's form is shaped by weather conditions, featuring a solid volume on the western side to shield against strong winds. The entrance on the eastern side offers convenient access from the nearby parking area, welcoming guests with ease.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of three main sections: the Restaurant, Administration, and Greenhouses. This organization allows each area to serve a specific purpose, enhancing both functionality and visitor experience. The first floor includes essential spaces like staff rooms and reception areas, alongside the Greenhouses. Guests can see the growth of plants and how the staff cares for them. Modern LED lighting is used in the Greenhouses, providing the necessary conditions for plant health despite the limited natural light.

Functional Versatility

On the second floor, visitors find the upper-level restaurant and a versatile hall. This hall can host film screenings, yoga classes, and conferences. It is designed to be flexible, adapting to the needs of different activities. An upper terrace adds to the outdoor space, giving visitors a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is an important element in the design. Recycling boxes are integrated into the building to manage food waste from the restaurant. These boxes process leftovers into manure for use in the Greenhouses, demonstrating a commitment to environmental care. By placing these systems out of sight, the design maintains an attractive space free from odors.

Design Aesthetics

The color palette takes inspiration from the local environment, using black and white tones that reflect the area's distinctive black sands and cloudy skies. This choice helps the structure fit into its surroundings while standing out in its own right. The facade has a layered appearance that responds to the site's topography, optimizing views of natural landmarks such as the Hverfjall volcano.

The overall design creates an engaging environment for visitors while remaining functional. The exterior interacts with the natural landscape, creating a pleasant connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

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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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