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Curvilinear Design Embracing Exposed Concrete and Tent Fabric in a Recreational Hub

Authors:
Vivian Romana Trabert, Anna Maria Monika Braun, Johannes Maximilian Wetzel, Lenz Freudenreich
Curvilinear Design Embracing Exposed Concrete and Tent Fabric in a Recreational Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing a flowing form created from tent fabric and exposed concrete, the design integrates seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes tent fabric for a lightweight and flexible façade that adapts to the environment.
02
Features curvilinear forms that reflect the natural landscape of Iceland.
03
Incorporates exposed concrete for structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Designed to enhance user interaction with multi-functional communal spaces.
05
Integrates natural light through expansive glass elements, improving visibility and warmth.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, the project responds to the region's tectonic movements and geological phenomena, including volcanic activity and glacial formations. It aims to provide a functional space for recreational activities while remaining visually connected to the surrounding landscape. The design encapsulates the interplay between architecture and nature, prioritizing both user interaction and environmental integration.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement
Centered around the movement of users and natural elements, the architectural layout features two primary curved structures that guide visitors throughout the space. This configuration not only facilitates the interaction of diverse groups—skiers, hikers, and tourists—but also reflects the dynamic topography of the Icelandic landscape. Various functional areas, including an infopoint, ski facilities, and communal rest zones, are strategically organized to enhance user experience and connectivity, allowing occupants to engage meaningfully with both the venue and its breathtaking surroundings.

### Material Selection
The material palette is thoughtfully chosen to complement the design intent and respond to environmental conditions. Exposed concrete provides structural integrity while contrasting with the curves of the building form. Large glass windows facilitate natural light and offer panoramic views, reinforcing the connection to the external landscape. The use of tent fabric in the building envelope ensures flexibility in form, while wood used for flooring and furnishings introduces warmth. Steel elements provide stability, and the incorporation of lava stone pebbles for pathways echoes the region’s geological context, creating a cohesive relationship between the natural and built environments.

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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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