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Curved Glass Facades and Recycled Wood Create a Community Space Embracing Glacial Inspiration

Curved Glass Facades and Recycled Wood Create a Community Space Embracing Glacial Inspiration

Project in-detail

Curved glass facades complement the use of recycled wood, creating a community space that draws inspiration from glacial forms while fostering interaction and connection among visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved glass facades enhance natural light while connecting interior spaces to the landscape.
02
Recycled wood is utilized for structural and aesthetic purposes, minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design mirrors glacial forms, creating a distinctive profile against the skyline.
04
Flexible meeting areas adapt to various functions, promoting community interaction.
05
Strategic window placement maximizes views and invites the surrounding nature indoors.

## Overview
Located near a ski lift in Iceland, Jökulfjót's architectural design is informed by glacial geomorphology, specifically the characteristics of water flow and the contours of crevasses. The intent behind the design is to create a structure that embodies a sense of respect for its natural surroundings while optimizing aesthetic and functional performance. Sustainability is a foundational consideration in the project, leading to the selection of materials that reflect the ecological integrity of the region.

## Spatial Organization
The architectural layout of Jökulfjót is characterized by a C-shaped configuration that maximizes site utilization, taking full advantage of views and natural light. This design strategy promotes an intimate visitor experience while facilitating a clear division between public and private areas within the building. Interior spaces feature curved walls and adaptive layouts that foster interaction, enhancing the overall user experience. The inclusion of flexible meeting areas allows spaces to accommodate a variety of functions, from quiet reflection to collaborative engagements, tailored to meet the diverse needs of visitors.

## Material Selection
Materiality plays a critical role in the building's overall performance and aesthetic appeal. Key elements include ethically sourced recycled wood, which contributes warmth to interior environments; durable white concrete, selected for its weather resistance and versatility; and glass facades that facilitate transparency with the surrounding landscape. This combination enhances both the structure's ecological credentials and its ability to draw in natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that responds to and reflects the changing conditions of the Icelandic environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Kinderspace
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