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Turf Roofs and Stone Walls in a Sustainable Icelandic Farmhouse

Author:
Joshua Mainez
Turf Roofs and Stone Walls in a Sustainable Icelandic Farmhouse

Project in-detail

With turf roofs and stone walls inspired by Icelandic heritage, the farmhouse serves as a sustainable community hub that integrates agricultural practices and local cuisine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs enhance insulation and blend with the natural landscape.
02
A central greenhouse supports diverse crop cultivation year-round.
03
Stone wall motifs are inspired by local lava cliffs and folklore.
04
Geothermal heat is utilized for garden irrigation and temperature control.
05
Multipurpose rooms offer views into the greenhouse for a direct food connection.

The farmhouse combines sustainability and practicality in a rural setting influenced by Icelandic traditions. It integrates agricultural activities with spaces for social interaction. At the center is a greenhouse that highlights food production while creating areas where the community can gather. Overall, the design centers around ecological responsibility and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Design and Layout

The layout emphasizes clarity and accessibility. The main floor features two multipurpose rooms that serve a variety of functions, from community meetings to classes. These spaces include large windows that overlook the greenhouses, drawing occupants' attention to the agricultural process happening inside. The dining area accommodates 100 guests, making it a welcoming space for social gatherings and shared meals.

Greenhouse Integration

The greenhouse is an essential element of the overall design. It supports the growth of diverse crops such as potatoes, kale, and tomatoes, along with various herbs. Livestock, including sheep, provide additional food sources like milk and meat. This setup highlights a commitment to local agriculture and sustainability, creating a direct farm-to-table experience that can enhance the meal offerings for visitors.

Geothermal Principles

The design thoughtfully incorporates geothermal principles through the gardens, which are partially submerged to better manage resources. The gardens leverage heat from nearby hot springs, allowing for more effective cultivation despite Iceland’s challenging climate. This practical approach indicates a forward-thinking perspective on land use, emphasizing both productivity and environmental stewardship.

Cultural Resonance

The project reflects local heritage, especially in its use of stone wall motifs inspired by coastal lava cliffs. This design choice adds to the visual character of the farmhouse while also embedding cultural stories into the building’s identity. Such elements ground the architecture in its environment, reinforcing the relationship between the space and its natural setting.

The integration of living, productive, and communal spaces creates a unique environment where community engagement and local food production can thrive. Design details are thoughtfully considered to enhance the overall experience and reflect the surrounding landscape.

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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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