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Saw-Tooth Roof Structure with Green Roofs in an Earth-Sheltered Community

Authors:
Emma Hardie, Tyler Hardie
Saw-Tooth Roof Structure with Green Roofs in an Earth-Sheltered Community

Project in-detail

The saw-tooth roof design integrates green roofs with earth-sheltered spaces, creating flexible guest homes that enhance community interaction while offering stunning views of the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible guest homes can be relocated on the site to enhance user experience.
02
The saw-tooth roof design mimics the contours of the surrounding hills.
03
Rainwater is collected and stored for use by the guest homes.
04
Large openings frame views of the northern lights and landscape.
05
The main host house is partially submerged to minimize visual impact.

Seven Peaks is located in the diverse landscape of Iceland and focuses on enhancing the relationship between a host structure and its visitors. The design features a main house that is partially submerged in the ground alongside seven mobile guest homes. The concept emphasizes flexibility and community interaction, allowing for a blend of shared and private spaces while upholding a commitment to sustainability.

Host House Design

The host house serves as the primary space for gatherings and activities. Its design is intentionally low to the ground, which reduces its visual impact and creates a sense of connection with the surrounding terrain. This approach takes into account both functionality and aesthetics, allowing the building to serve its inhabitants well while integrating into the landscape.

Flexible Guest Homes

The guest homes provide an opportunity for occupants to connect with nature. They can remain stationary next to the host house or be moved to different locations on the site. This flexibility enhances the experience for users, making it possible to explore various views of the scenic environment. The roofs of these homes feature a saw-tooth design, which visually resonates with the shapes of the nearby hills.

Sustainability Features

The saw-tooth roof not only contributes to the overall shape of the structure but also plays a practical role in collecting rainwater. This design ensures that water is stored for the needs of the guest homes, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices without compromising comfort. By utilizing natural resources, the project promotes responsible management of water in this unique ecological area.

Interior Experience

Inside the guest homes, large windows provide views of the landscape and the northern lights. These openings create an inviting atmosphere where occupants can engage with the beauty of their surroundings. A fireplace adds warmth, making it a cozy space to relax.

The host house features an occupiable roof that offers expansive views and spaces for solitude or gatherings. This design enhances the experience for users, allowing them to enjoy social interactions while also providing opportunities for quiet reflection. The thoughtful layout balances both communal and personal spaces, catering to the varied needs of its inhabitants.

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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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