The Sustainable Sesseljuhus is the Heart of Iceland’s Solheimar Ecovillage

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/icelandic-eco-village/">Solheimar ecovillage</a> that I visited while on holiday in Iceland was full of interesting takes on environmentally conscious architecture. For example, most of the buildings have sod roofs, which provide extremely good insulation in Iceland's cold, windy climate. Architecture in the village places heavy emphasis on local building materials and geothermal power. From a design standpoint, the most interesting building in Solheimar is at the heart of the village: <a title="" href="http://www.ask.is/english/projects/projects_more.asp?verkflokkur=5&amp;id=108&amp;skoda=texti" target="new">Sesseljuhus</a>.

Sustainable timber and a sod roof are just a couple of examples of eco-conscious building.

Turf roofs are popular across Iceland, as they're ideal for insulation in both summer and winter.

A portrait of Solheimar's founder, Sesselja Hreindís Sigmundsdóttir, stands proudly before the Sesseljuhus building.

The structure is spacious and airy; ideal for group activities.

Sesseljuhus's timber cladding is made from Siberian driftwood that made its way over to Iceland via ocean currents.

Timber and glass reflect the starkness of the Icelandic landscape.

Bright and spacious, the interior is also clad in sustainable wood, and is as perfect for all kinds of community get-togethers.

Sesseljuhus really is at the heart of Solheimar life.

ASK's plans for the Sesseljuhus, before construction began.