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Underwater Experience With Curvilinear Forms and Community-Focused Sleeping Pods

Author:
Elizabeth Mcdonald
Underwater Experience With Curvilinear Forms and Community-Focused Sleeping Pods

Project in-detail

Fluid curvilinear forms create an underwater sensation while promoting community engagement through flexible sleeping pods in a guesthouse that harmonizes with the landscape of Lake Myvatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kuluskitur algae inspired the guesthouse's unique curvilinear form.
02
The design incorporates communal sleeping pods to promote social interaction.
03
Open voids allow natural light and air to enhance the interior atmosphere.
04
Located in a serene landscape, the guesthouse offers an immersive nature experience.
05
Integration of thermal springs provides consistent comfort throughout the space.

The guesthouse designed in reflection of Lake Myvatn presents a thoughtful response to its environment. Located in a setting known for its unique ecological features, including the Kuluskitur algae, the design emphasizes gentle and flowing forms. The architecture is aimed at blending with the landscape, creating spaces where guests can interact and also find solitude.

Structural Integration

The layout creates a sense of being underwater, allowing visitors to feel as if they are submerged while looking up towards the sky. Light from the thermal springs pool below serves to illuminate the walls and domed ceiling, creating shifting patterns that enhance the atmosphere. The soft curves of the structure merge with the terrain, minimizing sharp angles and fostering a welcoming envelopment for those inside.

Functional Organization

Inside, the guesthouse is organized into several distinct areas, including sleeping and bathing spaces, as well as a sauna. The sleeping pods are minimalist in design, encouraging social interaction among guests. The design allows for the use of heavy curtains that can provide privacy when needed, offering flexibility between communal areas and personal spaces. This thoughtful arrangement enhances comfort and a sense of security.

Material Considerations

The design incorporates textures that reflect the natural landscape, such as those reminiscent of moss and grass. These materials contribute to the overall feeling of softness throughout the guesthouse. By focusing on organic shapes and natural inspiration, the architecture connects visitors to their surroundings, creating a more immersive experience.

Light and Atmosphere

Light plays a significant role in the guesthouse, shaping the atmosphere within. Openings in the design allow natural elements to enter the interior, creating a space where visitors can engage with their environment. The warmth from the thermal springs adds to the overall comfort, crafting a peaceful retreat that captures the essence of Lake Myvatn in its form and function.

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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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