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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Geothermal Structure Emphasizing Local Agriculture

Authors:
Peran Guillaume, Camille Desplanques, Julie Fautrel
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Geothermal Structure Emphasizing Local Agriculture

Project in-detail

Enveloped in charred wooden shingles and utilizing geothermal energy, this innovative structure seamlessly integrates sustainable agricultural practices with a vibrant community marketplace and educational hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes geothermal energy for heating and sustainability in a cold climate.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a flexible multipurpose room designed for various community events.
04
Integrates an educational center focused on local agricultural practices.
05
Showcases cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
The Project is an innovative architectural design initiative located in Iceland that bridges the gap between agricultural production and consumer engagement. It embodies the essential connection between local farming practices and the community’s dining habits, serving as a functional space that encourages interaction with the agricultural landscape. This project represents a commitment to sustainability, local culture, and education, all wrapped in an environment conducive to learning and engagement.

The architecture of the project is characterized by a thoughtful arrangement of distinct but interconnected functional spaces. These spaces include an education center, dedicated greenhouses, a market area for fresh produce, and a restaurant that features a menu sourced from the adjacent agricultural facilities. Each component has been designed to reflect the ethos of the project, with the intention of fostering a culture where food is appreciated in its holistic context—considering its journey from farm to table.

One of the key aspects of the project is its innovative use of materiality. The combination of concrete, wood, and glass has been employed to create an inviting and durable environment. The concrete provides structural integrity and thermal mass, essential for managing the island’s variable climate conditions. Wood is prominently utilized in exposed structural elements, enhancing the warmth of the interiors and fostering a sense of connection to the local landscape. Glass plays a pivotal role, particularly in the greenhouse sections, maximizing natural light to promote plant growth while allowing visitors to observe the agricultural processes taking place.

What makes this project particularly noteworthy are its unique design approaches. It integrates a living laboratory environment that not only educates visitors about sustainable agricultural practices but also actively involves them in the relationship between food production and consumption. The design promotes interactions through fluid circulation paths that encourage exploration and engagement among visitors. By incorporating multipurpose spaces, the architecture caters not only to individual pursuits but also facilitates community events and gatherings, further strengthening the local fabric.

The project pays careful attention to its site context, considering topographical variations, sunlight exposure, and prevailing winds. This consideration helps to optimize both the environmental conditions for the plants and the overall user experience. Accessibility is another critical area addressed within the design, ensuring that all visitors can navigate through both public areas and functional service zones with ease.

In essence, this architectural project embodies a thoughtful exploration of sustainability, community, and education within an Icelandic context. The thoughtful integration of form, function, and materiality exemplifies a commitment to enhancing local agricultural practices while providing a welcoming space for public engagement. The project not only serves its immediate users but also contributes to a broader narrative of sustainability and responsible consumption. For those interested in a detailed examination of this architectural endeavor, exploring the project presentation will provide deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin its successful realization.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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