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Geometric Facades Crafted From Prefabricated Panels in an Icelandic Community Setting

Author:
Hao Wu
Geometric Facades Crafted From Prefabricated Panels in an Icelandic Community Setting

Project in-detail

Inspired by the Krafla crater, the design utilizes prefabricated geometric panels and integrates natural materials to create a multifunctional space for community engagement and equipment maintenance in the heart of Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated geometric panels for efficient assembly and construction.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a design inspired by the nearby Krafla crater, blending architecture with the landscape.
04
Provides dedicated aurora viewing platforms for community engagement with nature.
05
Includes an integrated equipment maintenance workshop to support operational needs.

### Overview
The IO House is located approximately 5 kilometers from the Krafla crater in Iceland. The design responds to the unique geographical features of the site and reflects the local culture, emphasizing the significance of the fishing industry. The architectural intent is centered around harmonizing the built environment with its natural surroundings while symbolically referencing the area’s identity.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The organization of spaces within the IO House prioritizes a fluid user experience, with a layout that promotes accessibility and engagement with the natural landscape. Entrances for both users and garage access are strategically positioned to streamline movement throughout the building while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Notable features include “Aurora Platforms,” which provide vantage points for observing the Northern Lights, thereby enhancing visitor interaction with the natural environment. Communal areas, such as the lobby and gallery spaces, invite social interaction and showcase local art, fostering a sense of community.

### Material Selection
The selected materials for the IO House reflect both functionality and resilience in response to the local climate. Glass façades facilitate a connection between interior spaces and the exterior, maximizing natural light. Structural elements utilize steel for flexibility and durability, supporting the building’s intricate geometrical forms. Concrete is employed for its stability and thermal mass, while wood accents within functional areas provide warmth and a connection to traditional Icelandic architecture. Precast concrete panels contribute to efficient assembly and insulation, allowing for a robust yet aesthetically pleasing structure.

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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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