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Ventilated Wooden Cabins with Rainwater Harvesting Near Hot Springs

Authors:
Dóra Benedek, Gábor Ábrahám
Ventilated Wooden Cabins with Rainwater Harvesting Near Hot Springs
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Set against the backdrop of Grjótagjá Hot Springs, the cabins utilize a ventilated wooden façade and a rainwater collection system to enhance sustainability, offering guests a comfortable retreat in Iceland's natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins incorporate a rainwater harvesting system to minimize water consumption.
02
Photovoltaic panels on roofs generate electricity for guest amenities.
03
Ventilated wooden façades enhance airflow and thermal comfort.
04
Each cabin features a convertible living space for multifunctional use.
05
Proximity to natural hot springs offers unique experiential opportunities.

The guest cabin design for Vogafjós Farm Resort is located in Iceland, near the Grjótagjá Hot Springs Caves. This setting offers a unique opportunity to blend the built environment with its natural surroundings, creating a place for relaxation. The cabins function as retreats, prioritizing privacy while allowing easy access to amenities at the resort. The design aims to provide comfortable and functional living spaces that draw inspiration from the beautiful landscape.

Architectural Layout

The layout of each cabin emphasizes adaptability and efficiency. Each unit features a convertible living area that can transform into a sleeping space with a folding bed and a built-in sofa. At the heart of the living area is a fireplace, providing warmth and a comforting atmosphere during colder days. With ample storage solutions, the design caters to the practical needs of guests, especially those enjoying the outdoor activities that the area offers.



Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key focus of the design. Photovoltaic panels placed on the roofs allow the cabins to produce their own electricity for lighting and kitchen use. This reduces reliance on external power sources. Additionally, a gutter system is incorporated into the roof structure to collect rainwater. This feature supports water needs in the cabins, contributing to a self-sufficient water supply for guests.



Materiality and Aesthetics

The cabins are distinguished by their ventilated wooden façades, which enhance both their appearance and functionality. The diagonal arrangement of wooden planks creates visual interest and helps with air circulation inside the cabins. This material choice reflects a commitment to practical and aesthetic goals, creating a comfortable environment that blends with the natural setting.



Outdoor Amenities

Outdoor terraces are designed with built-in hot tubs, providing a space for guests to unwind while enjoying the surrounding views. Privacy is a priority; sliding covers enable guests to create secluded environments. These outdoor features enhance the guest experience, allowing for a deeper connection to the Icelandic landscape.



The cabins utilize thick wooden frames connected with base screws to ensure strong structural integrity. This method allows flexibility to adapt to the varying Icelandic terrain. Attention to these design details ensures that each cabin is both durable and welcoming, offering a suitable escape for visitors.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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