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Gabion Walls and Earth Integration in Sustainable Living Spaces in Iceland

Authors:
Ebrar Eke, Seyit Koyuncu, Erman Eskikoy
Gabion Walls and Earth Integration in Sustainable Living Spaces in Iceland

Project in-detail

Crafted with gabion walls and earth integration, this sustainable living space in Iceland offers panoramic views of the northern lights while providing flexible accommodation for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced gabion walls to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
02
Designed to enhance views of the northern lights through strategic glazing.
03
Utilizes earth integration for natural insulation and energy efficiency.
04
Flexible modular cabins allow for adaptation to varying visitor needs.
05
Timber framework promotes sustainability through renewable materials.

## Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the Skeye design proposal aims to create accommodation that integrates harmoniously with the region's distinct landscape. Inspired by traditional earth-sheltered architecture, the project prioritizes the connection between inhabitants and their natural surroundings. The design intends to maximize views of the sky while minimizing visual disruption, thereby promoting a balanced coexistence of built environments and natural aesthetics.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout emphasizes a strong relationship with the landscape, featuring structures strategically embedded to enhance panoramic sky views while providing shelter from the climate. The design incorporates flexible space configurations to accommodate varying visitor needs, ensuring that communal areas, such as a conical atrium within the main building, serve multiple functions, including leisure and observation of celestial phenomena. The use of large glass panels enhances natural light flow and invites the northern lights into the living experience.

## Materiality
The selection of materials in the Skeye proposal reflects a commitment to durability and environmental compatibility. Earth is used extensively for insulation and aesthetic integration, while timber supports key structural elements. Gabion walls, composed of local stone, not only provide stability but also visually connect the structures with the site. Translucent fabrics, employed in the design of movable cabins, allow visitors to engage with the environment while maintaining privacy, while steel framing adds strength to the construction.

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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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