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Corten Steel and High Glass Greenhouses Enhancing Agricultural Community Spaces

Authors:
Maksim Matveev, Daria Matveeva, Oleg Kovalev, Baurzhan Ospanov
Corten Steel and High Glass Greenhouses Enhancing Agricultural Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with corten steel and high glass, the greenhouses create a microclimate that supports diverse agricultural production while fostering community engagement in Iceland’s Mývatn region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using corten steel, the design integrates natural weathering as a visual feature.
02
High glass facades maximize sunlight penetration while providing insulation for diverse crops.
03
The building’s microclimate supports year-round agricultural production despite harsh weather conditions.
04
Greenhouses are designed to resemble icebergs, reflecting the local landscape.
05
Community spaces are included to promote social interaction among visitors and locals.

The Ice Village Greenhouse is located near the Mývatn Nature Baths in Iceland. It functions as a space for agriculture and serves as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. The design blends with its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from Icelandic rural settlements and the shapes of icebergs and mountains. This results in a structure that respects its context while fulfilling practical needs.

Design Approach

The overall design has a strong focus on how the building interacts with the environment. Greenhouses feature pitched roofs, echoing traditional architecture from the region. The orientation of the building is carefully planned, considering factors like sunlight and wind direction. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that the greenhouse is comfortable for people throughout the year, while also highlighting views of the striking landscape.

Interior Organization

The building layout consists of different areas that are designed for specific functions. The greenhouses allow for a variety of crops to be grown, while a retail area lets local producers showcase their products. On the first floor, there are practical spaces like storage, restrooms, and a server room. The coffee shop and recreational areas on the second floor provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the views. This organization promotes interaction among visitors and supports community dynamics.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an essential feature of the Ice Village Greenhouse. The design uses systems that conserve resources and create energy autonomy, with a focus on harnessing geothermal energy. A high glass shell creates a microclimate, allowing people to be comfortable indoors regardless of outside conditions. Rainwater collection and groundwater filtration help with water management, demonstrating an environmentally friendly approach to agriculture.

Materials and Visual Harmony

Materials used in the building include glass and corten steel. The glass façade brings in natural light while also providing insulation, making it energy-efficient. Corten steel adds a rugged look that is in line with the natural environment of Iceland. Together, these materials help the building fit into its surroundings while also enhancing its visual appeal. The design aims to connect the structure with the landscape, with greenhouses representing the shapes of icebergs, reinforcing the project’s connection to its geographical setting.

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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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