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Obsidian Clad Lodge Embracing Geothermal Efficiency in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Dilianis Arenas, Anna Isabel Valdes, German Andres Espitia
Obsidian Clad Lodge Embracing Geothermal Efficiency in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced obsidian, this ski lodge integrates geothermal heating within its carefully crafted spaces, offering users a seamless connection to the Icelandic landscape while catering to winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced obsidian, ensuring durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Designed with a panoramic viewing deck for seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes a geothermal heating system to enhance energy efficiency in a harsh climate.
04
Incorporates Icelandic spar to reflect natural light and enhance interior ambiance.
05
Features changing rooms and equipment rental areas for optimal user convenience.

### Project Overview
JARÐAR is a ski lodge located in Iceland, designed to support recreational and leisure activities within a winter landscape. The project emphasizes a strong connection to the local environment, reflecting the essence of Icelandic culture through contemporary architectural design. The concept positions the structure to coalesce with its natural surroundings, establishing a functional and aesthetic relationship with the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and Organization
The architectural layout features multiple interconnected volumes, each serving distinct functional purposes. The first floor includes essential visitor amenities such as an equipment rental area, changing rooms, and restrooms, all designed for optimal accessibility. On the second floor, a self-service refreshment area and a panoramic viewing deck offer occupants diverse experiences while encouraging interaction with the spectacular Icelandic vistas. The spatial organization promotes an intuitive flow, effectively guiding users through the lodge and encouraging engagement with outdoor activities.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette is derived from local resources, enhancing the building’s connection to its geological context. Obsidian stone provides durable, visual texture; Icelandic spar is used to optimize natural lighting within the interiors; and corrugated metal panels create a weather-resistant exterior. The choice of Icelandic wood for interior finishes introduces warmth, while concrete is employed for foundational support, ensuring resilience against environmental challenges. Sustainability is a focal point of the design, featuring water-efficient fixtures, a geothermal heating system that utilizes Iceland’s natural resources, and large glass panels that facilitate abundant natural light, reducing reliance on artificial sources.

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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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