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Geothermal Tower of Engineered Wood Surrounded by Hexagonal Pathways

Authors:
Maziar Mohit, Iman Kimiaei
Geothermal Tower of Engineered Wood Surrounded by Hexagonal Pathways

Project in-detail

Rising thirty meters, the tower constructed from engineered wood serves as a landmark, guiding visitors along hexagonal pathways to explore nearby caves while emphasizing geothermal sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rising thirty meters, the tower serves as a landmark for navigation.
02
Statues of a Bull and Canadian Moose represent cultural connections to the continents.
03
Hexagonal pathways made from volcanic ash enhance durability and aesthetics.
04
A Stirling engine generator provides electricity using geothermal heat.
05
Wastewater from the coffee shop is repurposed for irrigation.

The design features a tower inspired by ancient Viking boats, prominently positioned to act as a beacon in the landscape. Standing at thirty meters high, the structure directs visitors toward various attractions, including caves nearby. A pathway made from hexagonal volcanic ash pavers enhances the experience, providing a durable and visually suitable link to the natural setting.

Design Features

At the entrance, statues represent the continents of North America and Europe. A Bull symbolizes Europe, while a Canadian Moose represents North America. These figures make visitors think about the geographical and cultural connections between the continents. As people approach the tower, these elements encourage a deeper engagement with the site’s themes.

Functional Spaces

The design incorporates spaces that prioritize accessibility. A coffee shop serves as a place for visitors to rest and enjoy refreshments while taking in the landscape. An optional exterior lift provides access to both the coffee shop and the observation deck, ensuring comfort for all visitors. For those with mobility challenges, service in the lobby is easy to navigate and designed with a ramp.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key consideration in the design’s operation. A Stirling engine generator, located on the ground floor, utilizes geothermal heat and ambient temperature to generate electricity. Water is drawn from boreholes and filtered for safety. Wastewater management is also considered; used water from the coffee shop is collected for irrigation, while black water is redirected to a septic system for processing.

Materials and Construction

The structure uses engineered wooden beams for its framework, allowing for straightforward assembly and quality control. This method speeds up construction while maintaining standards. Corrugated steel serves as the cladding, chosen for its strength and resistance to the local climate, requiring little maintenance. The design language reflects a focus on functionality and respect for the surrounding environment, resulting in a building that interacts well with its setting.

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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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