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Peat and Stone Guesthouses Embracing Nature in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Suzan Calisir, Federico Repetto, Martino felice Curcunia
Peat and Stone Guesthouses Embracing Nature in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with local peat and stone, the guesthouses harmonize with the Icelandic landscape while promoting communal interaction through their thoughtful corridor layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced peat and stone for optimal thermal performance.
02
Designed with a long corridor that enhances guest interaction while preserving privacy.
03
Incorporates a central communal area with a reception space that reaches seven meters in height.
04
Each guesthouse features large sliding doors that frame views of the infinity pool.
05
The layout includes a basement spa area, promoting wellness within the guest experience.

The setting is a tranquil part of Iceland, where traditional design elements meet modern needs. The function of the building is to provide guest accommodations while also encouraging social engagement among visitors. The design concept centers on the "Hytte," a longhouse that serves as a model for creating spaces that are both private and communal. By referencing historical architecture, the design promotes a connection to the local culture while incorporating functional features for today’s travelers.

Structure and Layout

The layout includes several guest rooms arranged around a central communal space. This design facilitates easy movement and encourages interaction among guests. Each room follows a "gangway" style, where access is through a long corridor. This configuration not only maximizes the efficiency of the space but also enhances the overall guest experience by allowing for both privacy and community.

Material Usage

Peat and stone form the exterior of the guesthouses. These materials are chosen for their effectiveness in providing insulation, which is crucial in Iceland’s climate. There is also a layer of soil used for additional protection and durability against the weather. This choice of materials emphasizes a strong connection to Icelandic architecture while ensuring that the building functions well in its environment.

Interior Design Elements

Inside the building, the central communal area features a high reception space that creates an open feel. This area includes a restaurant and kitchen, designed to serve the guests' needs efficiently. A bar located above the main space includes a fireplace, which adds warmth and comfort, making it an inviting place for visitors to gather and relax.

Guestroom Configuration

Each guesthouse has a length of 6.7 meters and a width of 3.9 meters. This layout focuses on making the best use of space. The interior is designed with a central "box" that contains essential features such as bathrooms and wardrobes, leaving room for a narrow corridor. This arrangement allows the bedrooms to overlook the infinity pool, thanks to large sliding doors that bring in natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

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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

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