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Elevated Spaces Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Glazed Facades in a Sustainable Community Setting

Author:
Claire Gruber
Elevated Spaces Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Glazed Facades in a Sustainable Community Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, this facility integrates modular design with sustainable practices, serving as a vibrant community hub in the unique Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates modular guest units elevated on stilts to preserve natural terrain and reduce environmental impact.
03
Features expansive glass facades that maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability in construction.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that optimizes space while enhancing overall visual dynamics.

### Overview
The Orka Energy project is situated in Iceland, where its design integrates seamlessly with the local natural landscape and climate. The project's intent is to foster a relationship between built spaces and the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from the region's geological characteristics and cultural heritage. By establishing a dialogue between architecture and nature, the design encourages occupants to engage with the distinctive beauty of Iceland, including views of the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural concept features a contrasting duality of forms, presenting enclosed and open spaces that facilitate varied user experiences. The central architectural volume adopts a rectangular, box-like shape, which enhances navigability. Distinct sloped roofs guide visual focus upwards, connecting interiors to the expansive sky above. The layout promotes both individual exploration and communal interaction, allowing for flexible transitions between private and shared areas, thereby cultivating a mindful engagement with the landscape.

### Materiality
Material selection is a key aspect of the design, prioritizing local resources that provide durability and align aesthetically with the Icelandic environment.
- **Wood**: Locally sourced wood, treated for durability, creates warmth and blends with the natural surroundings.
- **Concrete**: A robust concrete façade offers insulation and resilience against the climate, merging natural and industrial appearances.
- **Glass**: Extensive glass panels foster transparency and visual continuity with the exterior, enhancing the connection to nature.
- **Steel**: Structural steel components provide strength and a contemporary touch, crucial for withstanding Iceland’s seasonal extremes.

Further, the spatial arrangement includes various guest units positioned on stilts, allowing optimal views of the Northern Lights while enhancing flexibility in configurations for different group sizes. Open floor plans and outdoor terraces enrich the indoor-outdoor relationship, while clearly defined functional zones cater to dining, socializing, and private relaxation.

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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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