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

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

### Overview
The Mývatn Turf Cabin project comprises four individual cabins situated in the Mývatn region of Iceland. This initiative aims to establish a connection between the built environment and the natural landscape, promoting an immersive experience that reflects the area's unique geographic features. The design is rooted in sustainability while drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses.

### Adaptive Material Use
The project employs a deliberate selection of materials tailored to both functional and aesthetic needs. Turf is primarily used in the roofing systems, providing insulation and visually anchoring the cabins to the grassy terrain. Locally sourced stone forms the structural base, offering durability and climate resilience, while timber, utilized in the frame construction, imparts warmth and a traditional character. The diversity of timber cladding includes deep red metal corrugated panels and black vertical timber, enhancing visual contrast and cohesion.

### Spatial Configuration
The design features a split-volume arrangement for each cabin, characterized by pitched roofs that follow the contours of the surrounding topography. This form creates a varied skyline while optimizing sightlines and fostering user engagement with the landscape. Communal spaces, such as outdoor terraces and a strategically positioned viewing platform, promote social interaction and ensure that each cabin benefits from ample sunlight, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. The overall layout supports both privacy and community engagement, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the site's context.

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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.

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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