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Curvilinear Aluminum Facade With Panoramic Views in a Sustainable Ski Area

Authors:
Safak Kiray, Irem Akgün
Curvilinear Aluminum Facade With Panoramic Views in a Sustainable Ski Area

Project in-detail

An undulating aluminum facade captures expansive views while integrating photovoltaic technology and greywater systems, supporting a ski area designed for year-round recreation in Iceland’s unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aluminum panels create a lightweight facade that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding terrain.
02
The building’s layout prioritizes panoramic views of the aurora borealis, enhancing the user experience.
03
A greywater collection system utilizes harvested rainwater and snowmelt for efficient water management.
04
Photovoltaic technology is incorporated into the building's design to support energy needs sustainably.
05
Curvilinear forms define the architecture, reflecting the natural movement of skiing and flowing water.

### Project Overview

Located adjacent to the Viti Crater in Myvatn, Iceland, the ski area known as "The Flow" presents a design that prioritizes environmental integration and functionality. The structure features a modern aesthetic characterized by a fluid form, conceptually reflecting the movement of water. Its location and orientation take advantage of the surrounding landscape while optimizing views of natural phenomena, such as the aurora borealis.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The layout of the facility is designed to enhance user experience for both skiers and visitors. The ground floor includes an interactive information point, equipment check and tuning stations, changing facilities, and refreshment areas, all arranged to facilitate movement and accessibility through circular pathways. Key spaces include an elevated viewing deck that offers sweeping vistas of the aurora borealis, a snow equipment garage for user convenience, and designated areas for rest and social interaction, encouraging community engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The construction employs a variety of materials suited to the building's functionality and environmental context. Aluminum panels, chosen for their lightweight durability, comprise the facade and help maintain a fluid form. Strategically placed glass integrates natural light and enhances panoramic views, while wood used in interior spaces fosters a warm ambiance. The building integrates photovoltaic technology for energy efficiency, complemented by a greywater collection system that promotes water conservation. This commitment to sustainable practices reduces the overall environmental impact and supports the building's operational self-sufficiency.

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

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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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