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Private Hot Tubs and Local Stone Create Tranquil Retreat in Iceland

Author:
Ayaka Sato
Private Hot Tubs and Local Stone Create Tranquil Retreat in Iceland

Project in-detail

Constructed with local stone and enclosed in insulated glass, the guest house offers private hot tubs that provide a tranquil retreat in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local stone to blend with the landscape.
02
Features insulated glass for panoramic views of nature.
03
Includes private hot tubs connected to each guest unit.
04
The design emphasizes a balance between privacy and community.
05
The layout incorporates a circular area for outdoor gatherings.

The thermal springs guest house in Iceland offers a unique escape in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and a temperate climate. This space combines accommodation with the natural healing properties of hot springs, creating a retreat focused on relaxation and well-being. By connecting guests with their surroundings, the guesthouse enhances the experience of being in this stunning environment while providing comfort.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes a relationship with nature. Each guest unit is positioned to face outward, taking advantage of the breathtaking views of the Icelandic scenery. This approach allows guests to feel connected to the landscape while enjoying their privacy. The design reflects a thoughtful integration of the built environment with its natural context, promoting tranquility and engagement with the elements.

Spatial Organization

Accommodating 18 guests, the layout includes individual units with private hot tubs for personal relaxation. This arrangement strikes a balance between solitude and community, inviting social interaction while respecting personal space. The overall flow of the guesthouse encourages movement between indoor areas and the outdoors. Each transition enhances the connection with the natural surroundings, encouraging guests to engage with the landscape.

Structural Integrity

The guesthouse features an enclosure made of insulated glass, allowing for expansive views of the picturesque surroundings. This design choice offers a sense of openness, inviting the landscape inside. Load-bearing elements made from local stones provide strength, while local wood supports secondary structures, grounding the build in its environment. These materials reflect the regional character and minimize the ecological impact.

Design Detail

An H-shaped corridor connects guest rooms to communal spaces, leading into circular areas intended for outdoor gatherings. This corridor supports easy movement throughout the guesthouse while providing access to a rounded seating area with a bonfire. Such features create a warm atmosphere for socializing and enjoying the stunning landscape, enhancing the overall experience for each guest. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces encourages both relaxation and connection to the majestic Icelandic environment.

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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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