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Charred Wood Facade Complementing Microclimates in a Community Greenhouse

Author:
Ricardo Solar lezama
Charred Wood Facade Complementing Microclimates in a Community Greenhouse

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood for its facade and designed to create multiple microclimates, the greenhouse serves as a dynamic community space that enhances agricultural production while fostering social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood for both aesthetic appeal and thermal insulation.
02
Integrates movable planters to enhance spatial flexibility and adaptability.
03
Designed with a staggered greenhouse layout to reduce self-shading.
04
Incorporates an open southwest corner for maximum daylight entry.
05
Inspired by traditional Walipini structures to optimize passive solar energy.

The ICE Greenhouse and Restaurant is located in Iceland and designed to merge agricultural use with a community gathering space. The project aims to respond to its environment by taking advantage of the natural slope of the land. With a focus on sustainability, the design enhances sunlight exposure and fosters a connection between people and nature.

Site Orientation and Design Strategy

The layout features a long facade that faces south, encouraging maximum sunlight to enter the greenhouse. An open southwest corner allows for lower walls, which helps bring in more light and offers clear views of the landscape outside. This design promotes a strong visual link between the interior and the surroundings, inviting occupants to engage with the environment.

Structural Composition and Functionality

The structure consists of eight connected greenhouses, covering a total of 5,000 square meters. The construction is planned in phases, allowing for gradual growth that aligns with the needs of the community. Each greenhouse is staggered to reduce the chances of self-shading, creating individual microclimates that benefit plant growth. This thoughtful arrangement serves both the agricultural and communal functions of the space.

Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration

Material choices are key to the building’s performance and appearance. The exterior utilizes charred wood, which not only insulates but also harmonizes with the local volcanic landscape. Inside, exposed concrete is paired with natural wood elements, creating a balanced atmosphere that promotes comfort alongside functionality. This combination of materials supports the project’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Adaptive Design Features

Movable planters have been integrated into the design, allowing for flexibility and encouraging interaction within the greenhouse spaces. This feature aligns with the idea of adaptability, accommodating different uses as needs change over time. The planning also incorporates an analysis of sun and wind patterns, ensuring that the structure optimally captures natural light and minimizes the effects of harsh weather.

The design includes unique angles for the greenhouse sections, which maximize sunlight exposure while enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful approach creates a harmonious relationship between the spaces used for growing and those intended for community interaction.

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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
competition now

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