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Crater-Inspired Community Hub Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Integration

Authors:
Maria Stenvaag Jeppesen, Annette Lindsetmo
Crater-Inspired Community Hub Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Integration

Project in-detail

The design showcases a crater-inspired roof and charred wooden shingles that integrate seamlessly with the volcanic landscape, creating a communal hub that promotes interaction and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof design mimics a volcanic crater, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance and diminish maintenance needs.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to both structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
04
Large glass elements maximize sunlight and views while minimizing energy usage.
05
The layout encourages social interaction, centered around a communal hearth space.

## Overview

Located in Iceland's Majarh region, the Kompásinn project is an architectural endeavor that seeks to integrate the built environment with the natural landscape characterized by volcanic terrain and unique atmospheric conditions. The name "Kompásinn," derived from medieval Latin meaning "a circle" or "circuit," reflects the design's circular form and its emphasis on community. The structure is conceived as a place for social interaction, offering a tranquil environment that responds to the challenges posed by the region's climate.

## Spatial Configuration

The architecture is organized around a circular floor plan that promotes organic movement and connectivity among various spaces. Central to the design is a communal hub featuring a fireplace, which serves as a focal point for gathering and warmth. Adjacent informal lounge areas are strategically positioned to provide occupants with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Surrounding facilities, including dining and event spaces, further enhance the building's communal nature, ensuring diverse experiences for visitors.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in emphasizing authenticity and environmental responsibility. Timber is prominently used to create healthier indoor environments while reinforcing the structure's organic character. Local stone contributes to durability and visual grounding, while extensive glazing invites natural light, fostering an interaction with the exterior environment. Additionally, metal elements are incorporated into the design to enhance resilience against weather conditions, balancing modern aesthetics with traditional influences.

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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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