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Geothermal-Centered Facility with Vertical Farming and Polycarbonate Light Integration

Author:
Jiajie Yuan
Geothermal-Centered Facility with Vertical Farming and Polycarbonate Light Integration

Project in-detail

Integrating vertical farming systems with polycarbonate elements, this geothermal facility enhances ecological sustainability while providing spaces for community engagement and therapeutic activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a geothermal energy system for sustainable climate control.
02
Features a vertical farming component to promote local agriculture year-round.
03
Utilizes polycarbonate panels for optimal natural light while minimizing heat loss.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency.
05
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and fire resistance.

The OASIS architectural project is an innovative multifunctional hub situated near Lake Mývatn, Iceland. This design integrates agricultural, recreational, and therapeutic elements into a cohesive structure that emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship. The OASIS serves as a community resource, providing spaces for local engagement while enhancing the ecological landscape of the geothermal area.

Functional Areas and Spatial Organization
The OASIS comprises three main functional areas: a multipurpose hall, a restaurant, and a vertical farming greenhouse. The multipurpose hall is designed to accommodate events and community activities, allowing for flexible configurations to meet various needs. The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table dining, connecting visitors to local agricultural practices through its integrated greenhouse. This area offers both culinary experiences and educational programming. The vertical farming section, an essential component of the project, enables year-round cultivation and highlights sustainable farming techniques. This design promotes an interactive relationship between visitors and agriculture, reinforcing the project's environmental ethos.

Sustainability and Materiality
The architectural approach prioritizes sustainability through careful material selection and design strategies. Key materials employed include wood for the structural framework, polycarbonate wall and roof panels for natural lighting, and concrete for stability. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are incorporated to utilize the natural geothermal energy characteristic of the region. The use of fiberglass insulation and waterproofing membranes ensures optimal energy efficiency and interior climate control. These choices reflect a commitment to minimizing the project's carbon footprint while enhancing user comfort.

Design Innovations and Community Engagement
Unique aspects of the OASIS project include its ecological integration and visual transparency. The arched structural form stabilizes temperature fluctuations while allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. Extensive glazing creates visual connections to the geothermal landscape, encouraging user engagement with their surroundings. The design approach emphasizes community interaction, with space allocated for workshops and events focused on sustainability and well-being. This promotes a stronger connection between the visitors and the local environment.

For those interested in exploring the details of the OASIS architectural project further, a review of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into its innovative features and functionality. The project's potential impact on community and ecological practices is a testament to thoughtful architectural design.

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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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