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Geothermal Building with Transparent Glass and Natural Stone Elements

Authors:
Tamas Merkel, Piros Rónai, Bence Soltész
Geothermal Building with Transparent Glass and Natural Stone Elements

Project in-detail

With a focus on geothermal technology and transparent glass, the design maximizes natural light while integrating natural stone to create a multifaceted community hub that supports diverse public activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
A multipurpose exhibition hall spans 388 m², accommodating diverse community events.
02
Geothermal heating and cooling systems minimize energy consumption and promote sustainability.
03
Transparent glass walls enhance natural lighting and foster connections with the outdoor environment.
04
Natural stone elements are integrated throughout, providing durability and a strong visual appeal.
05
The roof terrace offers a unique outdoor space for relaxation and social interaction in an urban setting.

The "Crater" project is located in a vibrant urban setting, designed to meet the needs of the community through its multifunctional spaces. It aims to create a welcoming environment for both public interaction and individual work. The layout emphasizes accessibility and sustainability. Key components, such as parking areas and solar panels, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to integrating energy efficiency into everyday life.

Site Features

The project includes important features like bus and car parking facilities, making it easy for people to reach the building. The solar panels reflect a commitment to renewable energy, aligning with modern principles of environmental responsibility. The arrangement of these elements shows careful consideration of how the site fits within its surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The layout is structured to support easy movement and a variety of activities. The basement contains an entrance, pathways for public and office circulation, a multipurpose exhibition hall, offices, a café with a kitchen, and an information center. This organization encourages diverse programming and invites community engagement, allowing different types of gatherings and events.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The construction relies on a reinforced concrete framework, ensuring strength and stability. Transparent glass walls are used to invite natural light into the spaces, enhancing the indoor atmosphere. The use of natural stone floors and ashlar provides a strong visual element. Simple white interior walls create a clean environment, allowing for flexibility in how spaces are used and decorated.

Technical Innovations

The building incorporates various technical systems aimed at sustainability. Geothermal heating and cooling, along with heat recovery ventilation, contribute to energy efficiency. Intelligent electric systems further reduce energy consumption. Coupled with solar panels, these installations enhance the building’s performance and reduce its impact on the environment.

A roof terrace adds another layer of functionality, providing outdoor space for relaxation and socializing, effectively connecting users with green areas within the urban landscape.

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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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