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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.

### Overview

Cristal House, located in Iceland, is part of the Northern Lights Rooms initiative developed in 2018. This guesthouse project is designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape while prioritizing sustainability and ecological awareness. It aims to provide visitors with immersive experiences of Iceland’s dramatic scenery through a distinctive architectural form.

### Geometric Design and Spatial Configuration

The structure employs a cuboctahedron design, characterized by its twelve identical vertices and the fusion of square and triangular elements. This geometric arrangement not only enhances the building's strength but also reflects the natural forms of icebergs found in the region. The spatial configuration includes diverse room types tailored for both short-term and long-term stays. Room types A and B offer minimalist accommodations suited for transient visitors, while types C and D are designed for extended stays and include essential amenities.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Practices

The material choices in Cristal House focus on environmental integration and energy efficiency. Extensive use of tempered glass contributes to thermal performance and offers unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. Resin glass is incorporated for its strength and light-diffusing properties, while a steel support structure ensures durability against the region’s harsh weather conditions. Sustainability is further emphasized through the incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar panels, along with a rainwater collection system. The structure's mobility, facilitated by a wheeled foundation, allows for repositioning in response to environmental factors, reinforcing a minimal ecological footprint.

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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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