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Crystal Palace Greenhouse Overlooking Iceland's Wilderness

Author:
Hui Guo
Crystal Palace Greenhouse Overlooking Iceland's Wilderness
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The integration of a large greenhouse known as The Crystal Palace within a community house at Lake Myvatn creates a distinctive environmental hub that fosters social interaction and engagement in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a large greenhouse to enhance indoor biodiversity.
02
The building features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Community engagement areas are positioned to maximize social interaction.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
The layout harmonizes with the natural contours of the Icelandic landscape.

The Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House is set in the unique landscape of Iceland, characterized by its contrasts between wilderness and glaciers. The design focuses on building community connections while respecting the environment. It incorporates three main areas: Space Orbit, Colosseum, and The Crystal Palace. Each space has a specific purpose, which helps to promote the concept of "Collision and Coexist." This theme highlights the relationship between people and nature in an engaging and meaningful way.

SPACE ORBIT

Space Orbit is the ground level of the community house and includes essential functions for daily use. It features an information zone, a kids room, accessible bathrooms, and a meeting point. This design encourages accessibility and helps build social interactions among users. By positioning these areas together, the layout creates a welcoming environment that enhances community engagement and invites users to connect more easily.



COLOSSEUM

The Colosseum acts as the central public space, designed to encourage communication and sharing. This area supports various activities and interactions among users, creating opportunities for relationships to form. The design of the Colosseum prioritizes community involvement and provides a vibrant atmosphere where people can come together. Its open layout fosters a sense of unity and connection among those who gather there.



THE CRYSTAL PALACE

At the top of the structure is The Crystal Palace, envisioned as a large greenhouse. This space symbolizes growth and care for the environment. By incorporating natural elements, it supports both indoor and outdoor ecological systems. The light that fills this greenhouse creates an inviting space during Iceland’s long nights, providing a calming environment for plants and users alike. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nature in our lives.



The Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House integrates its functions with the surrounding landscape. Each space is intentionally designed to foster a sense of connection and belonging while encouraging community interaction. The thoughtful arrangement of these areas emphasizes the relationship between people and their environment, creating a nurturing place for all who visit.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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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

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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