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Panoramic Glazing and Sloping Walls in a Serene Icelandic Retreat

Author:
Valentin Grukhin
Panoramic Glazing and Sloping Walls in a Serene Icelandic Retreat

Project in-detail

With its panoramic glazing and sloping walls that enhance light exposure and connection to the landscape, the guest house offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Iceland’s natural beauty.
5 key facts about this project
01
Panoramic glazing above beds maximizes natural light and landscape views.
02
Sloping walls provide privacy while connecting rooms to outdoor spaces.
03
Wooden rails enhance structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Color palette reflects local natural elements, promoting a harmonious feel.
05
Distinctive graphic rug defines the living area, adding texture and interest.

The Iceland Thermal Springs Guest House is set against a distinctive landscape in Iceland, designed to provide relaxation and a connection with nature. The overall design focuses on blending indoor and outdoor environments, creating a space that invites guests to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them. The architecture combines modern elements with practical features, resulting in a welcoming atmosphere for visitors looking to unwind.

Architectural Layout

The layout optimizes how spaces are organized, making it easy for guests to move around. Upon entry, visitors find themselves in a hall that includes a cash register area and transparent shelves. These displays showcase various accessories and bags, while the transition to the dressing room is smooth, keeping the flow open and inviting.

Guest Room Design

The guest rooms are located on the second level and feature large windows above the beds. This design choice opens up views of the Icelandic landscape, allowing sunlight to fill the rooms. The sloping ceiling creates an impression of height and space, making the interiors feel airy and light. Each room includes a private patio, separated by sloping walls that maintain privacy while providing access to outdoor views.

Materiality and Finishes

Throughout the guest house, the choice of materials contributes to a consistent design feel that aligns with the surrounding environment. Wooden rails are used as key structural elements, adding warmth and connecting the spaces to nature. In the bathrooms, smooth natural tones and accent tiles come together to create a balanced and calming atmosphere, enhancing the functionality of these essential areas.

Common Areas

The design also considers shared spaces such as hallways, a lobby, a café, and a pool. Each area encourages interaction among guests while also offering opportunities for quiet relaxation. The arrangement and features of these common spaces foster a sense of community, making it possible for guests to connect with one another.

A notable detail is the rug with a unique graphic pattern in the living area, which helps define the space while adding texture and comfort. This element enhances the overall experience, inviting guests to feel at home in a carefully designed setting.

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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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