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Bio-Polycarbonate Glazing and Accoya Wood Unite for Sustainable Greenhouse Community

Author:
Sini Kamppari
Bio-Polycarbonate Glazing and Accoya Wood Unite for Sustainable Greenhouse Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing bio-polycarbonate glazing and Accoya wood, the design integrates greenhouses within a volcanic landscape to foster a sustainable community space devoted to agriculture and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes twin wall bio-polycarbonate glazing for optimal light diffusion and insulation.
02
Integrates Accoya wood scissor trusses for enhanced durability and sustainability.
03
Features a central town square designed to promote community interaction.
04
Includes a heat recovery ventilation system for energy efficiency and improved air quality.
05
Adapts to the volcanic landscape, encouraging unique circulation patterns through the site.

Vogafjós Gardens is located in Iceland and combines a series of greenhouses with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Designed with sustainability in mind, the project follows the principles of the Green Passiv Haus model, emphasizing energy efficiency while enhancing connections to the environment. The design aims to serve both functionality and community engagement, respecting the natural context.

Architectural Concept

The concept behind Vogafjós Gardens focuses on passive design strategies that conserve energy. It uses optimized solar orientation, high levels of insulation, and air-tight construction to enhance comfort. A heat recovery ventilation system improves indoor air quality and reduces energy consumption. Each of these elements works together to create an efficient and pleasant space.

Material Strategies

Twin wall bio-polycarbonate glazing features prominently in the project. This material diffuses natural light while providing good insulation, improving the internal environment. The incorporation of double doors at the entrances helps with airflow and temperature control, reinforcing the overall energy-efficient approach.

Spatial Configuration

The layout encourages movement around the volcanic landscape, designed to promote both community interaction and individual reflection. When entering through The Crater, visitors arrive in a town square that serves as a gathering place. This central point fosters social connections while enabling a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The arrangement of different areas offers versatile uses, such as relaxation, dining, and gardening.

Future Potential

Plans for the project include expanding the building footprint to 2,000 square meters, with the possible addition of two wings each measuring 1,000 square meters. This future growth reflects a commitment to meeting changing needs while maintaining ecological values.

Prefabricated Accoya wood scissor trusses provide structural support for the greenhouses. The design allows for various greenhouse unit configurations, effectively addressing agricultural requirements while enhancing the functionality of the overall layout.

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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

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