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In-Situ Concrete Structure Embracing Privacy and Community in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Bijan Thornycroft
In-Situ Concrete Structure Embracing Privacy and Community in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

An exo-skeleton of in-situ concrete encases a series of guest rooms that prioritize privacy and communal living, situated to maximize views of the Icelandic landscape while offering a dynamic connection to shared spaces such as a kitchen and hot tub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exo-skeleton constructed from in-situ concrete provides both structure and insulation.
02
Guest rooms are oriented to maximize natural light and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Shared spaces, including a kitchen and hot tub, foster community interaction among guests.
04
Design draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses, integrating heavy flanking walls.
05
Wooden structures are used to connect various elements, enhancing warmth and visual appeal.

The guesthouse design is set within a beautiful landscape, prominently positioned to enhance views of the nearby mountains. With an emphasis on community living, the structure features a layout that connects individual guest rooms to shared spaces. The design reflects a balance between private retreats and communal areas, aimed at creating a welcoming environment for all guests.

Structural Expression

An exo-skeleton made from in-situ concrete supports the guesthouse. This choice provides stability while insulating the guest rooms from one another. The concrete framework also shields shared spaces from the outdoor climate, ensuring comfort for occupants throughout the year.

Spatial Organization

The layout centers around a channel of shared spaces that includes a kitchen, living room, and hot tub. This arrangement promotes social interaction and underscores the importance of communal living. Guest rooms are oriented toward the East and West to maximize natural light and offer scenic views, enriching the experience of both privacy and community.

Inspiration and Context

The design draws inspiration from Icelandic turf houses, featuring heavy flanking walls that create defined interior areas. This arrangement provides a sense of enclosure while maintaining generous connections to the outside landscape. The balance of indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to engage with nature directly.

Wooden structures tie various elements of the design together, offering a warm contrast to the concrete. This integration contributes to an inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to feel at home in both their private rooms and the communal spaces provided.

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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

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