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Radiant Heating and Green Roofs in Locally-Sourced Stone Cabins Embracing Icelandic Wilderness

Author:
Praxiteles Lykos
Radiant Heating and Green Roofs in Locally-Sourced Stone Cabins Embracing Icelandic Wilderness

Project in-detail

Emphasizing locally-sourced stone and sustainable practices, the design integrates radiant heating and green roofs to create a collection of cabins that harmoniously connect with the Icelandic landscape for residential retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize locally-sourced stone to enhance durability and integrate with the landscape.
02
Design incorporates green roofs to promote insulation and support local biodiversity.
03
Radiant heating systems leverage Iceland's geothermal resources for efficient energy use.
04
Extensive use of glass ensures panoramic views, connecting interiors with the natural environment.
05
The layout maximizes privacy while encouraging community interaction through shared spaces.
Casa Obscura is an architectural project located in the rugged terrain of Iceland, designed to create a unique interaction between occupants and the surrounding landscape. The project's primary function is to provide a space for retreat, emphasizing environmental harmony and sustainability. Each element of the design reflects a commitment to thoughtful integration with its context, offering a blend of privacy and communal experiences within the natural setting.

The architectural composition comprises a series of stone cabins arranged radially, fostering connectivity while minimizing visual obstruction of the expansive views. Each cabin is constructed from locally sourced stone, ensuring durability and aesthetic coherence with the Icelandic landscape. Dark wooden shutters enhance the cabins' facades, providing both thermal performance and a visual relationship with the environment. The extensive use of glass in the design enables natural light infiltration and uninterrupted scenic vistas, allowing occupants to engage with the dynamic Icelandic elements throughout the day and across seasons.

### Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining features of Casa Obscura is its embrace of the camera obscura concept, where inversion and perspective play crucial roles in the experience of space. This idea informs the layout and function of the building, as panoramic views are not just features but integral to the living experience. Occupants witness a continual shift in their surroundings, as the changing landscape interacts with the designed interiors.

Sustainability is paramount in Casa Obscura, illustrated by the inclusion of a green roof system. This feature not only provides insulation but also enhances biodiversity, allowing local flora to thrive atop the structure. The incorporation of a geothermal heating system takes advantage of the natural resources available in Iceland, aligning the project with eco-friendly practices.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The spatial layout within Casa Obscura is strategically designed to optimize both communal and private interactions. Individual cabins serve as personal retreats, positioned to maximize views of the northern lights and other natural phenomena, while a central communal area encourages social engagement among occupants. This blending of private and shared spaces facilitates a sense of community without sacrificing individual privacy.

The design also pays careful attention to flexible living arrangements. Spaces within the cabins and communal areas are adaptable, allowing for various activities and gatherings. The supporting infrastructure, including a stable for horses, reinforces the project’s commitment to functionality and its connection to the outdoor landscape.

For a comprehensive understanding of Casa Obscura's architectural intricacies, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs related to this project. By examining these elements, one can gain a deeper appreciation of the innovative ideas and meticulous execution that characterize this architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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