White Villa, by Minarc Architects, is a minimalist interpretation of a modern Icelandic vacation sanctuary that connects deeply with its natural surroundings. The design is centered on sustainability, utilizing locally sourced materials and energy-efficient technologies.
- Name: Nice House
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Size: 1,500 sq. ft.
- Built: 2011
This modern family vacation home built in rural Iceland seamlessly integrates into its stunning natural surroundings, epitomizing eco-conscious living. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the structure and the landscape, utilizing sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. With a minimalist aesthetic, the home’s form is composed of linked cubes that define the programmatic spaces. The most prominent of these spaces, the living room, serves as a communal hub that opens directly onto the horizon, fostering a deep connection with the environment. Bedrooms and bathrooms are thoughtfully positioned to maintain privacy, while a loft and children’s playroom upstairs offer additional space for family life.
In keeping with Iceland’s deep respect for the environment, the home’s construction incorporates mnmMOD, a modular building system developed by Minarc. This innovative technique marries the efficiency and waste-reduction of prefabrication with the elegance of custom design, resulting in a structure that minimizes its environmental footprint. Raised decks and floors reduce impact on the natural ground, while native wood siding, locally sourced, ensures the home blends effortlessly into the surrounding landscape. The use of passive solar design and cross-ventilation minimizes energy consumption, making the house both eco-friendly and economically sustainable.
Interior spaces are designed with both functionality and health in mind, avoiding carpet and forced air systems to enhance indoor air quality. Large windows flood the home with natural light and frame the breathtaking views, while an outdoor shower and edible garden further encourage a lifestyle in tune with nature. The master bathroom features a pebble rock wall, a subtle nod to the surrounding terrain, and exterior spaces are crafted for seamless indoor-outdoor living. This home stands as a beacon of sustainable design, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
- Architect: Minarc Architects
- Photography: Torfi Agnarsson
- Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
