Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curved Roof Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Panels For Community Engagement

Authors:
Mojin Zhang, Dianhui Huang, Kunchira Kankunsuntorn
Curved Roof Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Panels For Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Combining a curved roof with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the structure serves as a communal hub for social interaction, designed to enhance the experience of observing the Northern Lights in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved roof design allows for variable openness to optimize natural light and ventilation.
02
Amphitheater-style staircase enhances communal interaction while providing panoramic views.
03
Charred wooden shingles improve durability against harsh Icelandic weather conditions.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure rapid prefabrication and efficient assembly on-site.
05
The layout integrates changing facilities and equipment stations to support recreational activities.

## Project Overview
Longhouse Luminance is situated in Iceland’s rugged terrain, drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic longhouses. The design integrates cultural heritage with modern requirements for comfort and functionality in a severe climate. Its layout focuses on creating a communal environment that encourages social interaction while providing a platform for experiencing the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Interaction
The building features an A-frame configuration with a gently curved silhouette, optimized to harmonize with the existing topography and landscape views. A notable element is the amphitheater-style staircase, which enhances visitor engagement by serving both as an entrance and a viewing area for the Northern Lights. The layout comprises distinct functional areas, such as a central social space featuring a fire pit, changing rooms, and an equipment tuning station, all strategically placed to facilitate community activities without disrupting social gatherings.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
The architectural composition employs durable materials suited for extreme weather conditions. The facade comprises solid wood panels treated with traditional Icelandic wood tar oils to enhance longevity, while insulated glass windows allow for natural light without compromising thermal efficiency. The underlying steel frame provides structural integrity, supporting the building’s unique form. Robust insulation materials utilized throughout the interior ensure warmth, directly addressing the challenges posed by Iceland's climate. The overall design reaffirms sustainable architecture principles, with a roof that mimics the surrounding landscape to blend effectively into its environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy