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Turf Roof Heritage Museum Featuring Local Materials and Natural Light Integration

Authors:
Penelope Fung, Musab Badahdah
Turf Roof Heritage Museum Featuring Local Materials and Natural Light Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with a turf roof and local materials, the museum integrates natural light and biodiversity, creating a space for cultural education and community engagement while reflecting Icelandic architectural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a traditional turf roof that enhances insulation and biodiversity.
02
Features locally sourced materials, reinforcing sustainable building practices.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Incorporates large glass elements to maximize natural light and outdoor views.
05
Includes interactive exhibition spaces designed for cultural education and community engagement.
This architectural project, known as "Endurfæðing: Rebirth," is a museum designed to celebrate and revive traditional Icelandic building practices while serving contemporary cultural functions. The project creatively integrates the principles of sustainability with modern design, resulting in a structure that emphasizes connection to the surrounding landscape and historical context.

The museum functions as a center for education and cultural exchange, providing exhibition spaces dedicated to showcasing Iceland’s rich heritage, artistic endeavors, and ecological narratives. The design seeks to engage visitors with both the built environment and nature, encouraging exploration and reflection through carefully considered spatial organization.

The layout comprises a central exhibition space surrounded by multifunctional areas, including galleries, meeting rooms, and communal zones. The integration of traditional turf roofing serves not only as insulation but also promotes biodiversity. This feature distinguishes the project from typical museum designs, embodying an innovation that expresses a dialogue between past methods and contemporary architecture.

Sustainability is central to the architectural concept. The material palette includes locally sourced turf, concrete, wood, glass, and stone, each selected for their environmental qualities and aesthetic contributions. The turf roof reflects traditional Icelandic architecture while providing functional benefits, such as thermal performance and habitat creation. The transparent glass elements enhance natural light within the interior, allowing visitors to feel connected to the changing outdoor environment.

Circulation within the museum is carefully curated, providing intuitive pathways that guide visitors through the various exhibition zones. The interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces encourages a seamless transition, inviting visitors to engage with both the museum and the natural landscape. Unique to this project is the emphasis on fostering visitor interaction with the environment, with pathways that lead to designated viewpoints, particularly for observing the Northern Lights.

Key design elements include versatile exhibition spaces adapted for varying installations and activities. The distribution of light and materials across different sections enhances the spatial experience, creating an inviting atmosphere for diverse audiences. The goal of the design is to not only present art and culture but to serve as a platform for dialogue and reflection on the heritage of Iceland.

To fully appreciate the intricacies of "Endurfæðing: Rebirth," including its architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Engaging with these materials will provide deeper insights into the architectural and cultural significance of this uniquely positioned museum.
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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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