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Curved Shell Structure Featuring Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Eco-Friendly Lichens in Icelandic Habitat

Authors:
Mathieu Chapus, Alessandro Boldrini, Pierre-alexis Galland
Curved Shell Structure Featuring Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Eco-Friendly Lichens in Icelandic Habitat
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A shell structure composed of glass fiber reinforced concrete and enriched with living Icelandic lichens offers a sustainable habitat that seamlessly integrates with its harsh environment while providing essential communal living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aerodynamic curved form minimizes wind resistance in harsh climatic conditions.
02
Integration of living Icelandic lichens enhances thermal performance and ecological connection.
03
Construction employs glass fiber reinforced concrete for durability and insulation.
04
Modular design allows for efficient assembly and disassembly in various locations.
05
Strategically placed ventilation chimney promotes natural airflow throughout the interior.

### Overview and Context
This project, located in Iceland, features a spherical structure designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape while addressing the region’s unique climatic challenges. The design emphasizes sustainability, utilizing innovative material choices and structural forms to create a resilient habitat. Its primary intent is to foster a sense of refuge and connection to the natural environment, reflecting a commitment to ecological consciousness.

### Spatial Configuration
The interior layout is organized to promote social interaction and community living, incorporating essential spaces such as a living room, vestibule, and dormitory. The arrangement facilitates fluid movement among these areas, with expansive windows providing abundant natural light and unobstructed views of the Icelandic scenery. This modular design not only minimizes heat loss but also creates a sense of spaciousness within a compact form.

### Material Selection
The project employs a diverse range of materials that contribute to its sustainability and performance:

- **Laminated Timber** is utilized for the structural framing, offering a lightweight yet strong support system.
- **Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete** serves as the exterior shell, providing durability and effective thermal insulation.
- **Linen and Cork Composite** are used for interior finishes, enhancing insulation while incorporating natural elements.
- **Icelandic Lichens** feature prominently on the façade, assisting with thermal regulation and promoting ecological integration.
- **Zinc Cladding** on the roof ensures durability and weather resistance.
- **Rubber** is applied for flooring and seals, contributing to comfort and resilience.
- An **insulation layer** of 30 mm is critical for maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

The design incorporates features such as an active ventilation chimney that enhances air quality and embraces natural airflow, ensuring internal comfort during harsh winters. Additionally, the use of self-sustaining materials highlights the project's low maintenance requirements, aligning with its sustainability goals.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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