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Mobile Guesthouse Featuring Tempered Glass and Renewable Energy Solutions Integrated Within Iceland’s Landscape

Author:
Katarzyna Kapler
Mobile Guesthouse Featuring Tempered Glass and Renewable Energy Solutions Integrated Within Iceland’s Landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled within Iceland's dramatic landscape, a mobile guesthouse constructed from tempered glass and steel incorporates renewable energy solutions to provide an immersive experience in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile structure designed to adapt to environmental changes and enhance guest experiences.
02
Cuboctahedron shape reflects local glacial forms, blending with the landscape.
03
Constructed primarily from tempered glass, allowing for expansive views and natural light.
04
Incorporates wind turbines and solar panels for off-grid energy sustainability.
05
Interior configurations cater to both short-term and long-term accommodation needs.
Cristal House is an architectural design project located in the rugged landscape of Iceland. The structure serves as a guesthouse, designed to optimize the experience of visitors while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices. The project showcases a harmony between modern architectural forms and the natural environment, utilizing innovative building methods and material selection to achieve its objectives.

The concept behind Cristal House centers on mobile architecture that adapts to its surroundings. The guesthouse is characterized by its cuboctahedron shape, which reflects the natural contours of the Icelandic landscape and the forms of ice found in the region. This geometric form provides both functional and aesthetic benefits, including strength and visual interaction with light and nature. The overarching aim is to offer visitors a unique and immersive experience within the context of Iceland's dramatic scenery.

Adaptability and sustainability are key attributes of Cristal House. The building employs an array of renewable energy resources, including wind turbines and solar panels, to minimize its ecological footprint. The design allows for mobility, enabling the structure to be relocated as needed to enhance guest experiences or respond to environmental changes.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project’s success. The use of tempered glass and resin glass for the façade provides transparency and durability, enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior. The structural frame is constructed from steel, ensuring a robust yet lightweight supporting system. Structural silicone integrates the glass panels, creating a cohesive and seamless appearance.

The interior of Cristal House is thoughtfully designed to cater to various visitor needs. Short-term accommodations (Type A and B) focus on essential amenities, allowing guests to enjoy brief stays while connecting with the surrounding environment. In contrast, longer-term accommodations (Type C and D) provide kitchen and bathroom facilities, making them suitable for extended visits and integrating seamlessly into local infrastructure.

The unique design approach of Cristal House lies in its visual interaction with the landscape and the incorporation of local geographical phenomena. The reflective properties of the materials allow the structure to blend with the changing colors of the Icelandic sky, offering an immersive experience that shifts with the time of day and season. This attentiveness to the local context sets Cristal House apart from typical guesthouse designs, highlighting a commitment to both aesthetics and functionality in architecture.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and design strategies employed in Cristal House, further exploration of the project's presentation is encouraged. This will provide a clearer understanding of the innovative architectural ideas that define this project and its role in advancing sustainable design practices within unique geographical settings.
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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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