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Reclaimed Wood and Clay Construction Blending with Passive Solar Design in a Nordic Retreat

Authors:
Gagan Keith, Matthias Klauser
Reclaimed Wood and Clay Construction Blending with Passive Solar Design in a Nordic Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing reclaimed wood and natural clay plaster, this retreat integrates passive solar design and a green roof to create a sustainable living environment for community gatherings in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes reclaimed wood from local fishing platforms to promote sustainability.
02
Incorporates natural clay plaster for enhanced indoor air quality and mold resistance.
03
Features a green roof that aids in temperature regulation and biodiversity.
04
Designed with movable panel facades for adaptable shading and ventilation.
05
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to optimize water management.

## Overview
The Adobe, located in Iceland's diverse landscape, exemplifies a contemporary architectural approach rooted in sustainable practices and traditional vernacular design. The structure aims to provide a comfortable living environment while minimizing environmental impact, making it an exemplary model for future constructions in similar rugged locales.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience
The layout of The Adobe is thoughtfully designed to facilitate community interaction and diverse usage. The ground floor features a spacious communal area that includes a living room, kitchen, and dining space, fostering social connectivity among occupants. Above, two mezzanine levels comprise additional bedrooms, bringing the total to six, accommodating up to 14 guests. The strategic placement of large floor-to-ceiling windows allows natural light to permeate the interior, enhancing the connection between indoor spaces and the stunning external environment, while also promoting effective climate control and reducing dependency on artificial lighting.

## Material and Environmental Strategy
The structure utilizes a variety of innovative materials that align with its sustainable objectives. Reclaimed wood sourced from local fishing platforms provides both aesthetic and structural contributions. Interior surfaces are finished with natural clay plaster, improving indoor air quality and serving as a non-toxic option. The design incorporates double insulation construction to enhance energy efficiency, complemented by a green roof that aids in regulating temperature and promoting local biodiversity. Additionally, a water-harvesting system optimizes the utilization of rainwater, creating a balance with the surrounding ecology. The integration of a wooden-pellet burner for heating further emphasizes the commitment to sustainable energy practices.

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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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