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Mobile Units with Basalt and Turf Roofs Blending into the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Sigal Shemesh, Jessica Brams-miller, Sean Ottomanelli, Sena Esrefoglu
Mobile Units with Basalt and Turf Roofs Blending into the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

With mobile units crafted from local basalt and topped with lush turf roofs, the design seamlessly integrates into the Icelandic landscape while providing a communal hub and private accommodations for guests to connect with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates mobile units that can be repositioned to enhance guest views of the landscape.
02
Local basalt is used for structural elements, reflecting the regional geology and minimizing transportation impact.
03
Turf roofs are integrated into the design to improve insulation and promote biodiversity on-site.
04
The design features a communal hub that fosters social interaction while maintaining privacy in individual accommodations.
05
Natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting systems are embedded to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency.
The HUB & MOD project is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor situated near Lake Myvatn in Iceland, a landscape known for its stunning vistas and unique geological attributes. The architecture embodies a dual-purpose design, consisting of the HUB and the MODs, which together foster both community interaction and individual retreat. The project aims to create a seamless connection between its visitors and the natural beauty that surrounds them, emphasizing sustainability as a guiding principle.

The HUB serves as a communal space where guests engage in social activities, enjoy meals, and participate in events. The architecture of the HUB is characterized by an interlocking vertical space that promotes easy navigation among various areas while allowing ample natural light to flood the interiors. This design approach facilitates a welcoming environment that encourages interaction amongst guests, making it an ideal setting for shared experiences and gatherings.

In contrast, the MODs are designed to offer a more private experience. Each MOD is equipped with functionality and comfort in mind, featuring adaptable interiors that cater to individual preferences and needs. Notably, the MODs are mobile, allowing them to be repositioned to optimize views of the breathtaking landscape or the aurora borealis from within. This unique approach to accommodation emphasizes flexibility and personal engagement with the elements of nature, making each stay a distinct experience that caters to guests’ desires for tranquility or connection.

The architectural materials selected for the HUB & MOD project play an essential role in its sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Plywood is prominently used for the MODs, valued for its lightweight and flexible properties, which not only supports structural needs but also contributes to a warm and inviting interior atmosphere. The use of local basalt further enhances the project’s connection to its landscape, with the stone embodying the region's geological heritage. Additionally, green roofs covered with turf are integrated into the design, blending the structures seamlessly into the topography while providing ecological benefits such as improved insulation and support for local biodiversity.

The project’s commitment to resource management is evident in its innovative water management systems. By implementing a rainwater collection mechanism, the HUB & MOD project efficiently utilizes natural resources, filtering and reusing rainwater for showers and other needs. Such thoughtful planning not only promotes sustainability but also reduces the overall environmental footprint of the architecture.

Natural ventilation is another important design element, as strategically placed windows throughout the buildings allow for air circulation and thermal comfort. This consideration for the internal climate contributes to the overall experience of the architecture, ensuring that guests can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant environment year-round.

One of the standout features of the HUB & MOD project is the mobility of the MODs. This flexibility allows for a tailored response to the landscape, giving guests a choice in their view and experience. Importantly, this approach reinforces the connection between architecture and nature, merging the built structure with the environment in a non-intrusive manner.

Overall, the HUB & MOD project represents a thoughtful and innovative approach to architecture that balances community engagement with personal retreat. By harmonizing the built and natural environments through careful material selection, sustainable practices, and flexible design, this project serves as a model for future developments in eco-conscious architecture. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underlie this unique conception, which further illustrates the considered craftsmanship and principles at play.
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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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