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Turf Roofs and Private Balconies in a Community-Focused Retreat

Author:
Aishwarya Nair
Turf Roofs and Private Balconies in a Community-Focused Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with turf roofs and equipped with private balconies containing in-ground hot tubs, this development fosters community interaction while providing a luxurious retreat in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs provide natural insulation and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
All bedrooms feature private balconies with in-ground hot tubs for relaxation.
03
The layout includes dedicated breakout zones to foster guest interactions.
04
Design prioritizes a clear distinction between public and private spaces.
05
Community gathering areas are directly connected to the outdoor courtyard.

The Iceland Thermal Springs Premium Living project is located in the scenic area of Vogafjós, Iceland. It combines comfort with a strong connection to nature. The design is focused on providing a luxurious experience that respects the environment and embraces traditional Icelandic architecture. This approach makes the project a unique place to live in harmony with its surroundings.

Building Design

The turf roofs are a key element of the design. They reflect age-old building methods from Iceland and function effectively to keep the interiors warm. Using natural vegetation on the roofs helps the building blend into the landscape, allowing it to maintain a respectful distance from the sightline of its natural setting. This choice shows a commitment to sustainability while keeping the environment in mind.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the spaces is well thought out, maintaining a clear distinction between public and private areas. Each bedroom is designed as an en-suite retreat with its own bathroom and balcony. These private areas offer a tranquil space for residents. In addition, semi-private seating areas provide comfortable spots for guests, promoting social interaction without invading personal space. Public spaces like the reception, dining hall, and living room are arranged to be easily accessible, enhancing the overall comfort of those who enter.

Common Spaces

Community is at the heart of the design. Breakout zones enable guests and residents to come together in relaxed settings, enhancing the feeling of connection. These spaces are intentionally placed in the project layout to allow for social gatherings while respecting the need for privacy in living spaces. The common living room, designed to overlook an open courtyard, brings in light and encourages informal interactions among visitors and residents.

Design Details

Important design features include private balconies with in-ground hot tubs, which invite relaxation and enjoyment of the natural landscape. The common dining hall is equipped with both a kitchen and storage area, allowing for shared meals and communal activities. This reinforces the importance of togetherness in Icelandic culture. The overall design focuses on practicality and aesthetics, creating an environment that supports daily life while respecting both comfort and nature.

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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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