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Cultivating Fresh Produce With Volcanic Soil and Fibre Cement Ribbons

Authors:
Melissa Mischi, Sofia Zanandrea
Cultivating Fresh Produce With Volcanic Soil and Fibre Cement Ribbons

Project in-detail

Utilizing volcanic soil and fibre cement, a series of colorful ribbons emerge in a greenhouse structure that combines sustainable farming and dining, reflecting the harsh beauty of Iceland's landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local volcanic soil in fibre cement panels to enhance environmental integration.
02
Features three colorful ribbons that visually connect the building with its landscape.
03
Incorporates geothermal energy, maximizing sustainability for agricultural practices.
04
Combines dining and cultivation spaces for direct interaction with food production.
05
Designed to withstand Iceland's harsh climate while promoting efficient farming.

The architectural design known as "Nunatak" is located near the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland. It occupies a distinctive desert landscape defined by dark volcanic soil and a rugged terrain. The design draws inspiration from the Inuit word for a rock that rises above a snowy surface. This concept reflects not only a connection to the natural surroundings but also serves practical purposes. Nunatak functions as both an agricultural facility and a dining space, allowing visitors to engage with the food production process in a unique setting.

Materials and Structure

The structure primarily uses glass and steel to create a modern appearance that fits well within its environment. Three ribbons, designed to mimic the colors of the local landscape, wrap around the building at various points. The façade incorporates fibre cement panels that contain volcanic soil from the area. This choice enhances the visual relationship with the surrounding land. T-shaped steel profiles connect the top and bottom of these panels, while IPE 450 beams ensure the building's strong framework.

Sustainable Agriculture

A key aspect of Nunatak is its commitment to sustainable farming through geothermal energy and hot water. The greenhouse plays a significant role in this effort, providing an area for various plants to grow in a controlled environment. This approach adapts to the challenges posed by the local climate, turning a harsh environment into a productive space for agriculture. The design aims to demonstrate that cultivation is possible even in difficult conditions, creating a place where farming thrives.

Visitor Interaction

The design fosters interaction between visitors and the agricultural processes taking place within the structure. Guests can walk through areas filled with hydroponic systems that grow a range of vegetables and herbs. This setup enhances their understanding of where food comes from and how it is produced. The layout allows for visibility into these farming activities, emphasizing transparency and engagement as patrons witness food production firsthand.

Design Details

Details in Nunatak contribute to the overall experience. Interior spaces combine agricultural functions with dining areas, enabling guests to see the fresh produce that they will later enjoy. Large glass surfaces allow natural light to enter, highlighting the greenery of the greenhouse against the backdrop of the volcanic landscape. This arrangement not only serves practical purposes but also enriches the overall atmosphere of the building.

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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
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