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Turf Roof Cabins Featuring Natural Stone and Timber Integration in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Matthew Albert Barnett
Turf Roof Cabins Featuring Natural Stone and Timber Integration in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled beneath a living turf roof, the cabins seamlessly integrate local stone and timber into the rugged Icelandic landscape, offering a sustainable retreat for visitors seeking connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs evolve into living ecosystems, promoting biodiversity while insulating the cabins.
02
Local stone is utilized for foundational support, enhancing durability against harsh weather.
03
Timber elements draw from traditional Icelandic building techniques, creating a regional architectural identity.
04
Cabins are strategically positioned for optimal views, integrating seamlessly with the landscape.
05
Communal outdoor spaces foster social interaction among visitors while maintaining privacy.
The Mývatn Turf Cabin project consists of a series of four cabins designed to harmonize with the natural landscape of the Mývatn region in Iceland. The architectural approach integrates traditional Icelandic building techniques with contemporary design elements, promoting sustainability and enhancing the user experience. Each cabin is carefully situated to take advantage of the surrounding topography while providing comfort and functionality.

Architecturally, these cabins reflect a commitment to sustainable building practices. The use of turf for roofing is a nod to Iceland’s vernacular architecture, offering excellent insulation and creating a living landscape on top of the structures. Locally sourced stone and timber further reinforce the project's connection to its environment, ensuring that the materials used blend in with the geological features of the area.

Sustainability and Integration with Nature
A distinctive feature of the Mývatn Turf Cabin is its self-sustaining turf roof, which evolves over time. This roofing technique not only enhances thermal performance but also fosters a biodiverse environment, as vegetation develops on the roof itself. The cabins' design includes a dynamic roofline that follows the natural contours of the landscape, allowing the structures to recede into the background rather than dominate the scenery. Additionally, the arrangement of the cabins encourages interaction with the surroundings, creating communal outdoor spaces that invite social activities.

Cabin Design and User Experience
Each cabin is designed with user comfort in mind, incorporating open layouts and maximizing natural light through careful orientation and the strategic placement of windows. The interiors feature warm timber finishes that create an inviting atmosphere while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Communal spaces are thoughtfully integrated, allowing for gatherings without compromising privacy. The overall design reflects an understanding of how individuals interact with architecture, enhancing the experience of being in a remote, natural setting.

This project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture, prioritizing ecological awareness while respecting cultural heritage. To explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs in detail, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and architectural ideas that define the Mývatn Turf Cabin project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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