MinArc’s Serene Icelandic Eco Retreat Harmonizes With the Landscape

The Ice House is a beautiful eco sanctuary and family retreat in Iceland created by <a href="http://minarc.com/index.html" target="_blank">MinArc</a> - the makers of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/superb-a-house-is-a-net-zero-modular-prefabricated-home-in-venice-beach/" target="_blank">Mnm.Mod prefab home</a>. The panelized two bedroom, one bath home harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment by keeping its environmental impact to a minimum and providing its residents with a close connection to the outdoors.

<a href="http://minarc.com/index.html" target="_blank">MinArc's</a> goal was to create a serene family sanctuary that connects its inhabitants with the surrounding natural environment.

At the same time they wanted to combine sustainable and eco-friendly materials with energy efficient technologies and minimalist architecture.

Located in the rural Icelandic countryside, the 1,500 sq ft home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a loft, plus a detached garage.

As the people in the region are committed to the preservation of its beautiful natural scenery and resources, the owners of the home sought to honor this commitment.

The structure and surrounding decks are elevated off the ground in order to reduce the project's impact on the site.

Native wood was locally sourced and used as siding, which allows for the project to blend in with the surrounding regional landscape.

The home was designed to take advantage of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/passive-solar/">passive solar</a> building strategies and cross ventilation to minimize electricity costs.

Large expansive windows provide abundant <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">natural light</a> and create an immediate connection with the outdoors.

The master bathroom features a pebble rock wall referencing the surrounding landscape.