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Volcanic Stone Retreat With Thermal Bath and Panoramic Views

Authors:
Nikita Boldin, Natalia Nikolaeva
Volcanic Stone Retreat With Thermal Bath and Panoramic Views

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic stone and surrounded by panoramic views, the retreat includes individual guest houses and a thermal bath designed to enhance relaxation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to provide uninterrupted views of the Northern lights from each guest room.
02
Features a thermal bath in the central courtyard, enhancing wellness experiences.
03
Constructed with locally sourced volcanic stone for natural insulation.
04
The arrangement of semi-detached guest houses fosters community interaction.
05
Incorporates large panoramic windows to connect indoor spaces with the landscape.

The Vogafjós Farm Resort is a mini-hotel located in the scenic landscape of Iceland. It is designed to offer visitors a place to escape the busy city life. The resort focuses on wellness and relaxation, incorporating natural hot springs and providing impressive views of the volcano Hverfjall and the Northern lights. The design aims to create a calm atmosphere where guests can connect with nature while enjoying both personal privacy and community.

Architecture Concept

The layout of the resort includes a central building and several individual guest houses. These structures are organized around a closed courtyard, which encourages social interaction among guests while still providing private spaces. The main area features comfortable seating arranged around a fireplace and has large windows that offer captivating views of the landscape. This layout fosters a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Guest Accommodations

Each guest house has a traditional design, functioning as a separate unit that fits well in the peaceful surroundings. Some houses are built as semi-detached structures, which maximizes space and creates a friendly atmosphere. This careful arrangement allows guests to experience both community and solitude, depending on their needs.

Material Selection

The choice of materials reflects the local context and the practical requirements of the environment. The exterior walls are finished with light plaster, providing a gentle appearance and helping to withstand the elements. Volcanic stone is used in the basement, chosen for its excellent insulation properties, which contribute to energy efficiency. The roof is covered with corrugated metal, a suitable option for protection against Iceland's outdoor conditions.

Design Details

A thermal bath is a central feature in the courtyard, inviting guests to relax in warm water surrounded by nature. This addition enhances the overall wellness experience offered by the resort while strengthening the relationship with the beautiful landscape. Each guest room is designed to maximize views of the Northern lights, with large windows that allow guests to fully engage with the stunning Icelandic scenery. The design encourages a sense of peace and connection, highlighting the unique qualities of the location.

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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
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