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Geothermal Greenhouse with Larch Cladding and Community-Focused Spaces

Author:
Patrycja Ziemienowicz
Geothermal Greenhouse with Larch Cladding and Community-Focused Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing geothermal energy and larch cladding, the facility integrates fresh organic produce cultivation with educational and community spaces to promote sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local geothermal resources for heating and energy.
02
Features a farm-to-table restaurant designed for over 100 guests.
03
Incorporates a variety of spaces for yoga and educational workshops.
04
Supports a closed aquaponic system that minimizes resource use.
05
Constructed with larch cladding to enhance thermal performance.

The design features a greenhouse and related facilities focused on sustainable food production while fostering community involvement. Set in Iceland, an area known for its harsh climate and rich geothermal resources, the structure aims to create a space that connects visitors with nature. The overall design encourages interaction between agriculture and educational pursuits, emphasizing the importance of fresh food.

SITING AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION

The greenhouse is carefully positioned to take full advantage of the breathtaking Icelandic landscape, offering views of notable features such as the Mývatn nature baths and Hverfjall volcano. This placement enhances the experience for anyone using the facility. The design creates opportunities for light to filter through, allowing the inside and outside to merge in a meaningful way.

FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT AND COMMUNITY FOCUS

The layout promotes a farm-to-table concept with areas designed for growing, dining, and learning. The greenhouse plays a central role, facilitating the growth and preparation of organic produce right before visitors' eyes. The facility includes a restaurant that can accommodate over 100 guests, an organic market, and flexible spaces for yoga classes, workshops, and discussions. This arrangement encourages community engagement and supports initiatives that focus on health and wellness.

SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. It uses renewable geothermal energy and incorporates advanced farming practices like aquaponics and vertical farming. These features allow the facility to create a self-sufficient ecosystem that minimizes the need for outside resources. The greenhouse's heating system utilizes geothermal hot water, providing ideal conditions for plants and nurturing diverse forms of life.

MATERIALS AND STRUCTURAL DETAILS

The materials chosen for the greenhouse are selected with environmental impact in mind. Larch wood is used for cladding, while locally sourced concrete provides stability in the foundations. The walls are supported by a glulam wooden frame, and large glass panels allow natural light to pour in, essential for plant growth. Together, these components create a structure that is functional while remaining visually appealing.

In the greenhouse, fish like brown or golden trout are raised alongside vegetables, enhancing the project’s focus on promoting awareness about sustainable food practices. This arrangement highlights the relationship between people and the ecosystems that sustain them.

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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
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