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Turf Roofed Structure with Aluminum Facade and Geothermal Heating for Sustainable Hospitality

Author:
Mark Talbot
Turf Roofed Structure with Aluminum Facade and Geothermal Heating for Sustainable Hospitality
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Defined by its turf roof and reflective aluminum facade, the architecture seamlessly merges with the geothermal landscape while offering a sustainable guest house experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Defined by a turf roof that integrates with the natural landscape.
02
Features an aluminum facade that reflects surrounding terrain and light.
03
Incorporates geothermal heating systems that utilize local resources.
04
Includes tee-shaped guest rooms designed for privacy and views.
05
Utilizes oak finishes to enhance warmth within the modern interiors.

The Iceland Thermal Springs Guest House is an architectural project designed to enhance the experience of visitors in a unique geothermal landscape. This facility integrates functionality with sustainability, utilizing the natural geothermal resources of Iceland while providing a comprehensive hospitality environment. The project features interconnected spaces that cater to diverse guest needs, including communal areas and private accommodations, reflecting a thoughtful balance between accessibility and exclusivity.

Architectural Integration with Environment

A significant aspect of this design is its response to the Icelandic environment. The guest house employs materials like aluminum and wood, reinforcing its contextual relevance while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. The exterior showcases a reflective aluminum facade that harmonizes with the natural surroundings, while the interior spaces are highlighted with oak finishes, providing warmth and comfort. Large glass windows throughout the structure are strategically placed to maximize views of the volcanic landscape, creating an immersive experience that connects indoor spaces with the external environment.

Sustainable Design Approaches

The incorporation of geothermal heating systems highlights the project's commitment to sustainability, utilizing clean energy directly from the surrounding landscape. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the building but also complements the natural geothermal springs that are a defining characteristic of the site. The use of turf roofs and stone walls also reflects traditional Icelandic construction methods, further embedding the guest house within its cultural context.

Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The architectural layout consists of a series of tee-shaped guest rooms grouped around central communal areas, promoting social interaction while ensuring privacy. Each room type is designed with specific features, such as large windows for scenic viewing or specialized skylights for stargazing. The public spaces, including the lounge and dining areas, are elevated to provide unobstructed views, enhancing the overall guest experience.

This project presents a thoughtful architectural response to its environment, combining local materials, sustainable practices, and a layout that promotes both community and solitude. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that showcase the comprehensive approach to this project, an exploration of the full presentation is encouraged.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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