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Corten Roofs and Geothermal Heating in a Community-Focused Setting

Author:
Marco Splendore
Corten Roofs and Geothermal Heating in a Community-Focused Setting

Project in-detail

A corten-finished roofing system and geothermal heating integrate with local lava stones to create a sustainable community space that fosters engagement and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
corten roofing enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
geothermal heating reduces energy consumption and promotes sustainability.
03
local lava stones integrate the structure with its natural surroundings.
04
pre-assembled steel frame allows for efficient on-site assembly.
05
footbridge features a glass gap that symbolizes geographic transition.

The design creates a strong sense of place that reflects its geographical context and cultural background. Set within a landscape influenced by Glaumbær Village, the building design takes inspiration from traditional turf houses. This approach aims to establish an identity that resonates with the surroundings while providing useful and adaptable spaces.

Design Concept

The architecture explores the relationship between natural forms and built structures. By responding to the specific site conditions, the design achieves a design language that informs both its layout and its height. This clear logic strengthens the connection between the building and the landscape, celebrating local features and traditions.

Structural System

Individual units are made with a pre-assembled steel frame, which streamlines assembly on site. This method efficiently uses time and resources while allowing for many possible spatial arrangements. The footprint of the structure aligns with the natural topography, creating a respectful relation to the land.

Roofing and Insulation

A significant aspect of the project includes a roofing system made of a metal plate with a corten finish. This choice provides visual unity and durability against varying weather conditions. An insulating layer is included to regulate temperature, addressing the challenges presented by seasonal changes that are common in the area.

Local Materiality

The exterior finishes incorporate local materials, such as lava stones and rock sediments. This choice reinforces the connection with the environment and adds a unique textural quality to the building. Using these materials reflects the project’s attention to sustainability while honoring the region's architectural heritage.

A notable design detail is a glass gap along the footbridge, which interrupts the flooring design. This gap symbolizes a transition between different geographic areas, encouraging visitors to engage with the experience of crossing.

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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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