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Red Pigmented Concrete Structure Embracing Rocky Terrain for Scenic Hospitality

Authors:
Juan Sala, Douglas Harsevoort
Red Pigmented Concrete Structure Embracing Rocky Terrain for Scenic Hospitality

Project in-detail

A raw concrete structure with natural red pigments, carefully integrated into the rocky Icelandic landscape, serves as a contemporary guest house that emphasizes expansive views and communal spaces for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Raw concrete façades incorporate natural red pigments from local woods.
02
Elevated design maximizes panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Modular layout allows for flexible arrangements of guest suites.
04
Central communal spaces promote social interaction among guests.
05
Integration into rocky terrain minimizes environmental impact.

The Vogafjós Farm Resort Guest House Annex combines modern design with elements of traditional Icelandic architecture. Located in the stunning landscape of Iceland, this guest house serves as a retreat for visitors, focusing on both comfort and connection to nature. The design concept aims to harmonize the building with its surroundings while offering a unique experience for guests.

Architectural Operations
Three main operations guide the design: Elevate, Rotate, and Combine. Elevating the structure allows for impressive views of the landscape, enhancing the experience of staying at the guest house. The rotating form reduces the building’s footprint, ensuring it blends well into the rocky terrain. Combining different geometric shapes results in a contemporary take on historic Icelandic barns, creating a unified architectural style.

Form and Geometry
The guest house appears as a solid, monolithic shape with raw concrete façades that unify its external appearance. There are no overhanging edges, which reinforces the connection to the ground and conveys a sense of strength. The slanted rooflines and sharp angles add a playful quality to its design, reminiscent of simple drawings, while staying grounded in the rough Icelandic terrain.

Spatial Configuration
Inside, the design features eight rooms along with four communal areas. This layout provides both privacy and social spaces, catering to various guest needs. Each room is arranged to offer expansive views of the landscape, helping guests engage with the natural beauty surrounding them. Central areas, such as a jacuzzi, encourage interactions among guests, fostering a sense of community. Balconies extend from the rooms, providing private outdoor spaces to enjoy the scenery.

Materials and Textural Elements
Raw concrete is the main material used, giving the building a modern look that complements its environment. Natural red pigments from local woods are added to the concrete, creating a warmth that connects the structure to its setting. This choice mirrors the colors found in traditional Icelandic farm structures. The loggia around the perimeter adds a feeling of openness, enhancing the overall design and allowing guests to connect more closely with the expansive 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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