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Adaptive Housing and Stone Architecture Define a Visitor Space in Northern Iceland

Authors:
Florence Côté, Francis Gaignard, Gabriel Lemelin
Adaptive Housing and Stone Architecture Define a Visitor Space in Northern Iceland

Project in-detail

Located in the Reykjahlíð region of Iceland, the design engages with a landscape of geysers, volcanic formations, and mountains. It organizes visitor activities into distinct zones that balance functional use with respect for natural features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reykjahlid Retreat integrates architecture with volcanic landscapes.
02
The design organizes the site into four distinct zones.
03
Core zone features a pavilion, spa, and stable.
04
Service buildings reference local geology with basalt aggregates.
05
Mobile dormitories offer flexible private and communal spaces.

Reykjahlid Retreat is situated in the Reykjahlíð region of Iceland, integrating architecture with a landscape defined by geysers, volcanic formations, and mountains. The design organizes the site into four main zones—Core, Home, Retreats, and Field—each serving specific functions that balance visitor engagement with the preservation of natural features. The overall layout prioritizes movement, social interaction, and adaptation to the local climate.

Spatial Organization and User Experience
Three zones organize the building. The 'Core' zone includes a main pavilion, spa, and stable. The pavilion’s angular form guides circulation, while the spa near the lagoon provides a minimal and calm environment. The stable, positioned on the lowest plateau, is protected from prevailing winds. The 'Home' zone contains the owner’s residence and maintenance garage, with private and service areas on the ground floor and common areas leading to a roof terrace above. And the 'Retreats' zone combines two long service buildings with mobile dormitories, offering flexible accommodations that range from private to communal experiences.

Materiality and Durability
Service buildings are constructed in concrete with exposed basalt aggregates, referencing local geology, while corrugated steel siding is applied to occupied spaces to provide resilience against harsh weather. The selection of materials supports durability, comfort, and integration with the surrounding environment, reinforcing the spatial organization and functional clarity of each zone.

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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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