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Geothermal Heating Integration with Basalt Façade and Green Roofing for Seasonal Recreation

Authors:
Natalia DembiŃska, Adam Mikołaj Miziołek
Geothermal Heating Integration with Basalt Façade and Green Roofing for Seasonal Recreation

Project in-detail

Employing a basalt façade and an integrated geothermal heating system, the structure uniquely harmonizes with the Mývatn landscape while providing a multifunctional hub for seasonal recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes local basalt stone, ensuring continuity with the surrounding geological features.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the roof, enhancing thermal performance and structural integrity.
03
A green roof is integrated to promote biodiversity and minimize visual impact on the landscape.
04
The design enables passive solar heating through strategically positioned large glass elements.
05
Interactive exhibits within the space educate visitors about the region's geology and ecology.

### Overview

Located in the Mývatn region near the Krafla Caldera in Iceland, the design is informed by the area's natural beauty and geological history. The structure aims to create a meaningful relationship between users and the environment by integrating the concepts of time, nature, and community. The project employs sustainable architectural principles to enhance functionality and aesthetics while remaining sensitive to its ecological context.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The design is inspired by the concept of a sundial, symbolizing the relationship between humans and their environment. A circular form is employed to facilitate adaptability to seasonal changes, accommodating winter sports and warm-weather activities. The architecture creates spaces that invite visitors to engage with the natural surroundings, offering a dynamic experience that reflects the passage of time.

The inverted sundial concept allows sunlight to be harnessed while providing shaded areas for visitors, reinforcing their connection to the environment. Drawing inspiration from local geological features, the structure incorporates shapes reminiscent of volcanic rootless cones, establishing aesthetic and contextual harmony with the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials is integral to both the aesthetic and sustainable aspirations of the design. The façade is constructed from local basalt, ensuring visual continuity with the landscape while providing textural contrast and interaction with light. A prefabricated wooden roof enhances thermal efficiency and adds warmth to the overall composition, counterbalancing the cool tones of the stone. Transparent glass elements establish visual connections with the surrounding nature, while a green roof promotes biodiversity and minimizes environmental impact.

### Interior Organization and Functional Zoning

The interior layout reflects a careful consideration of seasonal usage, delineating public and private spaces to support diverse activities. Functional zones are designated for relaxation, changing facilities for outdoor pursuits, and visitor engagement areas, which include interactive exhibits that highlight the region's geographic and ecological themes.

The design incorporates a low silhouette, optimizing airflow and natural light, and utilizes an underfloor geothermal heating system to enhance energy efficiency. An intuitive circulation system guides users seamlessly through public areas while preserving privacy, fostering an interconnected experience with both the built structure and the natural features of the site.

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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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