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Reflective Glass and Local Stone in a Geometric Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Martina Ferretti, Silvia Craviari, Francesca Canali
Reflective Glass and Local Stone in a Geometric Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Reflective glass facades and local stone define a geometric wellness retreat that seamlessly integrates with the Icelandic landscape, offering guests a tranquil space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass creates a mirror effect, allowing the building to blend into its surroundings.
02
Common areas are designed at a partly underground level for enhanced intimacy.
03
Large windows optimize views of the aurora borealis from guest rooms.
04
The use of local stone adds cultural relevance and tactile warmth to interior spaces.
05
Private thermal areas allow guests to relax in nature, enhancing the wellness experience.

The design is situated in a beautiful part of Iceland, surrounded by nature. It serves as a guesthouse where people can relax and enjoy their time away from daily life. The concept focuses on simple geometric shapes, resulting in a structure characterized by clean lines that respect the natural landscape and fit in well with its environment.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the building is arranged horizontally, which reflects traditional guesthouses found in the area. This choice reinforces the connection to the local context and helps create a smooth connection between the interior and the outdoors. Large windows on the east side and a glass roof maximize natural light and highlight stunning views, allowing guests to appreciate the remarkable landscape surrounding them.

Material Considerations

The materials chosen for the design help to connect the building with its setting. Wooden cladding covers the external walls, which adds warmth and texture. Inside, local stone is used, creating a pleasing contrast with the wood and enhancing the overall atmosphere. This careful selection supports a feeling of comfort and connection to the natural environment.

Public and Private Spaces

Inside the structure, public and private spaces are well-defined, promoting interaction among guests while providing areas for solitude. Common areas are partially below ground level, which gives a cozy and intimate feeling. Thoughtfully placed windows allow daylight to fill these spaces, making them pleasant for gatherings and relaxation while creating a calm environment.

Design Details

Guest rooms are strategically placed to take advantage of the beautiful views. Private outdoor thermal areas allow guests to enjoy a quiet moment in nature, adding to the overall experience of the retreat. In front of the underground common spaces, a courtyard has been created, providing a lively area that contrasts with the peaceful thermal tubs and enhances the ability to move between shared and private spaces.

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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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