Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Earth-Centric Community Space Embracing Natural Elements and Landscape Integration

Authors:
Carmelo Bagalà, Guido Mozzanica
Earth-Centric Community Space Embracing Natural Elements and Landscape Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed from earth, the design seamlessly integrates with its stunning natural surroundings to create a vibrant community space that encourages social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from earth, reinforcing sustainability.
02
Features panoramic views of Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Volcano.
03
Incorporates diverse outdoor play areas for community engagement.
04
Designed with energy efficiency in mind for seasonal adaptability.
05
Integrates lighting strategies tailored to the long winter months.

The project located near Myvatn Lake, Hverfjall Volcano, and Dimmuborgir Lava Field emphasizes a strong connection with the landscape. It focuses on functional spaces that serve the community while responding to the unique climate of the region. The design concept prioritizes user interaction and aims to create an inviting environment that blends with the natural surroundings.

SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATION

The master plan includes various functional areas such as a café, kitchen, and staff facilities, as well as outdoor playgrounds. This arrangement caters to different user groups and fosters social interaction, reflecting local culture and lifestyle. By incorporating both indoor and outdoor spaces, the design encourages engagement with nature and enhances the experience of the environment.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Energy diagrams incorporated into the design consider seasonal changes, aiming to optimize energy use in both summer and winter. This focus on energy performance shows a commitment to sustainability and comfort for users. The building is designed to adapt to Iceland's varied climate, ensuring functionality throughout the year, which is crucial for any facility in this region.

LIGHTING STRATEGY

The lighting system is carefully planned, featuring suspended lights, wall lights, outdoor lights, and table lights. This variety not only addresses practical lighting needs but also contributes to the overall atmosphere of the spaces. In the context of long winter nights, effective lighting becomes vital for maintaining an inviting and usable environment.

MATERIALITY

Earth is chosen as the primary building material, reflecting Icelandic architectural traditions and promoting sustainability. This material choice helps the structure connect with the landscape, reducing its environmental impact while enhancing its local character. The use of natural materials creates a harmonious relationship between the building and its surroundings, ensuring it feels like a part of the landscape.

The design captures the essence of its geographic context, emphasizing connectivity among users and with nature. This results in a space that is functional, welcoming, and attuned to the rhythms of 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