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Turf Cabins with Perforated Roofs for Stargazing in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Anakaren Muñoz franco
Turf Cabins with Perforated Roofs for Stargazing in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Perforated roofs designed for stargazing complement the turf and timber cabins set against Iceland's rugged landscape, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated roofs allow unobstructed views of the Aurora Borealis from inside the cabins.
02
Cabins use traditional turf construction for enhanced thermal insulation.
03
Each guest house is designed as an independent module to promote privacy.
04
Local stone and timber are sourced from the surrounding landscape for sustainability.
05
An outdoor hot tub provides relaxation while connecting guests with nature.

Vogafjós Deluxe is located in Iceland, designed to connect its inhabitants with the surrounding nature. The complex includes one main cabin and eight guest houses, providing an intimate atmosphere that encourages relaxation and exploration. Each element of the design is focused on privacy and comfort, allowing guests to engage with the unique landscape.

Architecture Concept
The design aims to offer a personalized experience for every guest through the use of separate modules. Each cabin is thoughtfully positioned to promote movement throughout the area, inviting visitors to explore the natural environment. This arrangement balances the need for solitude with opportunities for interaction, ensuring a tranquil setting that supports the connection with nature.

Cabin Features
The guest cabins are equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. The first floor includes a kitchenette, bathroom, living room, and a breakfast table, while the second floor features a sleeping area and a wardrobe. An outdoor hot tub adds to the relaxation options, providing a space for guests to unwind while enjoying the outdoors. The design focuses on both practicality and the beauty of the surroundings.

Materiality and Construction
Vogafjós Deluxe uses traditional building techniques from Iceland, incorporating materials sourced locally. This includes local stone, timber, and turf, chosen for their ability to provide insulation and resilience against the local climate. The careful selection of these materials reflects a respect for local craftsmanship and the natural environment. The buildings stand as a testament to both modern design and the region’s heritage.

Design Outcome and Detail
The main cabin serves as a communal area, featuring a front desk, common living room, and a small restaurant to encourage interaction among guests. This central hub contrasts with the private guest houses, enhancing the overall experience. A defining feature of the cabins is their perforated roofs, which allow those inside to view the Aurora Borealis at night. This design detail connects occupants to the enchanting night sky and enhances the feeling of being immersed in nature.

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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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