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Sustainable Guest House Crafted from Timber and Contextualized through Angular Forms

Author:
Sarabi Molina
Sustainable Guest House Crafted from Timber and Contextualized through Angular Forms

Project in-detail

Crafted from wood fiber insulation and featuring angular forms that harmonize with the Icelandic landscape, the guest house offers a sustainable lodging experience that promotes community interaction and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and insulation.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a central courtyard that encourages communal interaction among guests.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and scenic views.
05
Integrates local materials to resonate with the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
The Vergvisir Guest House is an architectural project located in Iceland, near Lake Myvatn and the town of Reykjalid. This design embodies a blend of modern architecture and regional cultural heritage, with its structure referencing the ancient Viking symbol Vergvisir, which stands for guidance in adverse conditions. The guest house is intended to provide a unique accommodation experience while promoting community interaction and connection to the surrounding landscape.

Functionally, the guest house operates as a hospitality venue designed to accommodate visitors. It features a series of interconnected modules that provide private guest rooms along with shared communal spaces. The organization of these spaces facilitates social gatherings while ensuring privacy, making it suitable for both individual travelers and larger groups. The design emphasizes comfort, accessibility, and engagement with the environment, leveraging Iceland’s distinctive geography.

The architecture of Vergvisir Guest House stands out due to its thoughtful integration with the landscape. The building's massing reflects the variations in topography and utilizes a combination of angular and pyramidal forms that create visual interest. Each module varies in height, allowing for natural light penetration and extensive views of the surrounding vistas. This strategic design approach also mitigates wind exposure, which is vital in the challenging Icelandic climate.

The choice of materials enhances the project’s sustainability and visual coherence. The building employs wooden structures complemented by concrete retaining walls, utilizing wood fiber insulation to improve energy efficiency. Glazed facades are incorporated in areas that maximize light while maintaining thermal integrity. This selection of materials not only supports structural requirements but fosters a connection to native building traditions.

The central courtyard is a key feature of the guest house, designed to promote social interaction among guests. This communal area is surrounded by the private modules, ensuring an atmosphere of inclusivity while maintaining the necessary distinction between public and private spaces.

The focus on light within the design is notable, as strategically placed voids create dynamic lighting conditions. This enhances the sensory experience of the interiors, which continuously evolve as the day progresses. Furthermore, the project maintains a strong connection to Icelandic culture through its design language, presenting a modern interpretation of local architectural traditions.

The Vergvisir Guest House not only functions as a space for lodging but also as an architectural expression of community, cultural legacy, and environmental consciousness. To gain deeper insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and unique design elements, explore the comprehensive presentation of this innovative guest house.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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