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Geothermal Heating and Printed Glass Form a Pyramid Inhabiting the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Kai Wang, Shuxi Wang, Yang Zhang, wenjia zhang
Geothermal Heating and Printed Glass Form a Pyramid Inhabiting the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

A pyramid structure of printed glass and oak utilizes geothermal heating to create a sustainable residential space that harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A pyramid form enhances spatial efficiency while providing structural stability.
02
Printed glass walls maximize natural light and reflect the surrounding landscape.
03
Geothermal heating systems ensure energy efficiency suited for Iceland's climate.
04
Flexible room layouts promote adaptable living spaces for various functions.
05
The use of oak wood creates a tactile contrast with the smooth glass surfaces.

## Overview

The Heima - Pyramid is situated in a remote landscape in Iceland, where it explores the relationship between the built environment and natural surroundings. The design merges aesthetic considerations with functional requirements, aiming to adapt to both the local climate and the needs of its users while reflecting the principles of sustainability.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration

The project employs a diverse range of materials, each selected for its functional and aesthetic properties. The exterior features printed glass, which offers transparency and thermal insulation, enhancing the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Oak wood is utilized for flooring and structural elements, providing warmth and durability. The concrete shell serves as a robust foundation, its raw finish contrasting with the smooth glass surfaces—together, these materials foster a tactile richness in the environment.

To address the demands of the Icelandic climate, the design includes geothermal floor heating and a double glazing ventilation system that maintains air quality while improving energy efficiency. The pyramid form, combined with extensive glazing, not only maximizes natural light but also enables occupants to engage with the dramatic landscapes surrounding the structure, offering dynamic views throughout the day.

## Spatial Organization and User Flexibility

The interior layout prioritizes flexibility and community interaction while accommodating individual privacy needs. Design features include a service facility room optimized for practical household functions, adaptable guest rooms that can accommodate various configurations, and communal dining areas that encourage social engagement. The open-plan design, complemented by sliding partition walls, allows for modifications to space usage depending on the residents' preferences, facilitating both communal activities and private moments.

This thoughtful organization supports a lifestyle integrated with the environment, promoting a sense of community while respecting the personal space of its inhabitants.

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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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