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Metallic Reflections Framing Nature in a Guest House Retreat

Author:
Samuel Hervault
Metallic Reflections Framing Nature in a Guest House Retreat

Project in-detail

Metallic materials reflect the breathtaking landscape of Iceland while enhancing the visual connection to the Hverfjall volcano and northern lights in a guest house designed for community and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Metallic materials reflect the nearby landscape and enhance the connection to nature.
02
Strategically positioned bedrooms maximize views of the Hverfjall volcano.
03
The layout includes both outdoor and indoor hot tubs for immersive relaxation.
04
A central corridor features large windows framing scenic outdoor views.
05
Low building height allows the design to blend into the surrounding terrain.

The Frame: Guest House & Observatory is located in the picturesque landscape of Iceland, designed to provide guests with a close connection to nature. With an emphasis on views of the Hverfjall volcano and the northern lights, the building serves not only as a place to stay but also as a space for community and relaxation. The design brings together modern architecture and traditional ideas of hospitality, resulting in an inviting environment.

First Floor Design

The First Floor contains communal areas that are designed for socializing and dining. Guests can enjoy a common living room, kitchen, and dining area that encourage interaction. These spaces are open and spacious, promoting ease of movement and conversation. Alongside this, both outdoor and indoor hot tubs offer options for leisure, giving occupants the chance to relax while surrounded by stunning scenery. Practical features such as toilets and laundry facilities are included to meet basic needs, ensuring comfort for all visitors.

Ground Floor Layout

The Ground Floor emphasizes large living spaces that create a strong connection to the outdoors. Generous volumes allow natural light to fill the interior, enhancing the overall ambiance. A central corridor provides access to the bedrooms and leads to a large patio, offering more views of the landscape. Bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged to maximize sightlines of the Hverfjall volcano and the northern lights, enriching the experience whenever guests look outside.

Integration and Materiality

The design takes careful consideration of its setting, utilizing a low building height that helps it blend into the landscape and minimizes any ecological impact. Metallic materials are incorporated, reflecting both the surrounding terrain and the captivating play of light at night. This choice of materials creates a visual relationship between the building and nature, enhancing the sense of being immersed in the environment.

The Frame combines a focus on community with a commitment to simplicity in design. Large windows frame breathtaking views, allowing nature to become a part of daily life for its occupants. The overall experience is one of ease and connection, set against the backdrop of Iceland's dramatic and beautiful landscape.

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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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