Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Fog Collection and Translucent Netting in a Vertical Shelter

Authors:
Francesc Munné graña, Carles García somolinos
Fog Collection and Translucent Netting in a Vertical Shelter

Project in-detail

Capturing atmospheric moisture through fog collection and utilizing translucent netting for light diffusion, the vertical shelter serves as a sustainable refuge within the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes piezoelectric technology to generate energy from wind movements.
02
Features a fog collection system that captures atmospheric moisture for drinking water.
03
Constructed with a translucent netting that filters natural light into the interior.
04
Integrates vertical spaces to create diverse viewpoints of the surrounding landscape.
05
Situated at the geological divide of North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

On Clouds is an architectural design located in Grjótagjá, Iceland, near the natural crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The structure serves as a small shelter that connects human activity with the surrounding landscape. It focuses on eco-friendly construction, energy efficiency, and light, open forms. The overall design aims for verticality, enhancing the structure’s visibility while encouraging a deeper interaction with the unique geological features of the area.

Translucent Netting

The building incorporates translucent netting throughout its design. This material serves several purposes, including protection against weather conditions and the facilitation of natural light within the space. The netting brings an interesting quality to the interior, casting patterns of light and shadow that change as the day progresses. With its various cuts and openings, the netting invites exploration and offers a refreshing approach to how light plays within the structure.

Sustainable Energy Generation

A significant feature of the design is the use of piezoelectric technology. Thin straws are integrated into the facade to capture and convert movements caused by the wind into usable energy. This approach allows the facade to become more than just a visual element; it actively generates energy for the building. The result is a responsive surface that highlights the natural elements surrounding the structure.

Water Collection System

Addressing the issue of water availability, the design includes a system that collects moisture from fog, which is common in the region. The permeable net captures tiny water droplets from the atmosphere. These droplets gradually gather and drain into a collection system, providing a source of safe drinking water. This function underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and efficient resource management.

With its careful attention to design and its interaction with the environment, On Clouds offers a unique experience that blends function and nature. Each detail is thoughtfully considered, emphasizing the relationship between architecture and the landscape. The result is a space that encourages visitors to appreciate both the building itself and the dramatic surroundings it inhabits.

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