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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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