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Transparent ETFE Structures and Driftwood Accents in a Nordic Wellness Retreat

Author:
Mallory Mclain
Transparent ETFE Structures and Driftwood Accents in a Nordic Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with lightweight ETFE and accented with locally sourced driftwood, the design prioritizes environmental integration while providing a wellness-focused retreat for guests in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using lightweight ETFE for maximum natural light and thermal efficiency.
02
Local driftwood is utilized in both structural elements and interior finishes.
03
Guest pods are designed for modularity and can be easily relocated on-site.
04
Geothermal energy systems provide sustainable heating solutions throughout the retreat.
05
The design features a trapezoidal shape that enhances views of the surrounding landscape.

## Project Overview

Located in Iceland, this design initiative aims to enhance guest experiences by prioritizing personal wellness within a context that respects the surrounding landscape. The project includes a central hub, individual guest pods, and environmentally responsive infrastructure, creating a space conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation.

### Hub Space Design

The hub serves as a communal nucleus, encouraging interaction among guests while also providing areas for solitude. Key characteristics include:

1. **Spatial Configuration**: The hub features a complex geometric design with expansive glass walls, maximizing views of the Northern Lights and natural baths. This transparency fosters a strong visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.

2. **Materiality**: Interior modular circular furniture emphasizes flexibility, allowing guests to reconfigure the space. Notable materials include driftwood for flooring, ETFE for the ceiling and walls, and lumber for structural elements, all contributing to an ecological approach.

3. **Functionality**: The hub incorporates diverse functional areas such as lounges, quiet spaces, and kitchens, each designed to accommodate a variety of uses while maintaining distinct atmospheres through contrasting solid and transparent spaces.

### Guest Pods

The trapezoidal guest pods reflect the public spaces in design and intent, characterized by:

1. **Design & Configuration**: These compact units prioritize comfort and utility, with dedicated bathroom areas ensuring privacy. The layout is optimized for maximum function without sacrificing aesthetic coherence with the overall site.

2. **Materials Used**: Sustainable materials such as lightweight lumber, ETFE, glass, and driftwood are employed throughout the pods, reinforcing the connection to the natural environment while providing necessary structural elements.

3. **Mobility**: The pods are designed to be transportable, allowing for flexible usage across the site, thus catering to individual guest needs and preferences.

### Site and Environmental Considerations

This project incorporates thoughtful considerations regarding site and environmental impacts:

1. **Geothermal Energy**: Utilizing geothermal energy aligns with Iceland's natural resources, providing an efficient heating solution and promoting sustainability.

2. **Land Use**: The layout is designed to limit disruption to the natural landscape, ensuring integration with the environment that enhances user experience.

3. **Local Material Usage**: Emphasizing sustainability, local materials such as basalt for structural elements and sheep wool for insulation minimize ecological impact while supporting local industries.

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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

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