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Turf Roof Structures Integrated with Natural Light for Community Living

Author:
Katherine Graham
Turf Roof Structures Integrated with Natural Light for Community Living

Project in-detail

Employing turf roofs and extensive glass facades, this environmentally sensitive community hub merges with the Icelandic landscape to provide both communal and individual living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional turf roofing to enhance insulation and blend with the landscape.
02
Incorporates extensive glass elements to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding environment.
03
Features modular guest units designed for flexible placement across the site.
04
Integrates locally sourced materials, including regional wood and stone, to reduce environmental impact.
05
Emphasizes a community-focused design with a central hub for gatherings and social interactions.

### Overview

The architectural design "Miðstöð" is located in Iceland, strategically positioned to engage with the natural landscape and provide stunning views of Mývatn Lake and the Aurora Borealis. The project emphasizes a harmonious relationship between built structures and the environment, drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses. The intent is to create a living experience that respects and enhances the surrounding landscape while allowing nature to remain the focal point.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The project consists of several mobile units and a central communal hub. The hub serves as the primary gathering space, designed in a circular form that encourages community interaction and efficient movement. Its layout promotes openness while maintaining a sense of comfort. The mobile guest units are characterized by a minimalist design and can be repositioned across the site, allowing for varied experiences of the landscape. Each unit features sweeping roofs that frame views of the terrain and night sky, and incorporates practical storage solutions for essentials, ensuring self-sufficiency in remote settings.

### Materiality and Interior Experience

The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic cohesion. Turf cladding provides insulation, while reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity. The use of local timber adds warmth, and expansive glass elements enhance natural light and outdoor engagement. Internally, spaces are characterized by earthy tones and gradient wallpapers that connect inhabitants with the natural surroundings. Natural light is optimized through strategically placed windows, and ambient lighting evokes the glow of the auroras. The furniture design is minimalistic, crafted from natural wood materials that resonate with the project's overarching theme of unity with the environment.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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