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Dome Structure Featuring Lava Stone and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Agriculture

Author:
Ivana Milosevic
Dome Structure Featuring Lava Stone and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Agriculture

Project in-detail

Combining a dome structure with lava stone and vertical gardens, the design serves as an educational hub for sustainable agriculture, fostering interaction and engagement with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Combines a dome shape with five distinct chambers for varied educational experiences.
02
Utilizes locally sourced lava stone to enhance environmental integration.
03
Incorporates vertical gardens and hydroponics to promote sustainable agriculture.
04
Features extensive glass elements for natural light and landscape views.
05
Emphasizes rainwater collection in its design for water conservation.

Hills of Mývatn is an architectural endeavor that integrates thoughtfully with the beautiful landscape of Iceland. Located within the region, it serves as an educational hub focused on agriculture and sustainable practices. The design concept revolves around a dome shape, symbolizing both an appreciation for agriculture and a reaction to environmental challenges.

Emphasizing Interaction and Education

The structure includes five distinct chambers, each designed to offer unique experiences for visitors. These spaces encourage engagement and learning about food production methods and environmental sustainability. Essential facilities, such as an open kitchen and vertical seed libraries, enhance the educational component, creating an environment conducive to exploration and interaction.

Material Choices Reflecting Context

Internally, wood and lava stone are used to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. In contrast, the exterior is clad in white steel, offering a cooler appearance. This combination of materials reflects the climate of Iceland, reinforcing the relationship between the building and its natural surroundings.

Connection to Nature

Glass elements throughout the design strengthen the connection between the interior and the outdoors. These windows allow abundant natural light to enter, while also framing views of the surrounding landscape. This transparency supports the commitment to sustainability, aligning with modern architectural practices.

The design also acknowledges climate change and its impact on the environment. It weaves together a narrative that emphasizes awareness and responsibility. Among its features are innovative glazing technologies that enhance energy efficiency while encouraging a connection with nature, inviting users to engage with the changing 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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