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Glulam Structure Embracing Natural Light in Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Kenneth Bostock
Glulam Structure Embracing Natural Light in Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

With a glulam structure that captures natural light while harmonizing with the volcanic landscape, the building serves as a multifunctional space dedicated to sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mývatn-inspired atrium reflects local geological features.
02
Integrated modular construction allows for future expansion.
03
Glulam structure enhances energy efficiency and durability.
04
Seamless transition between indoor spaces and volcanic landscape.
05
Design prioritizes natural light through strategic glass placement.

The design proposal located in Northern Iceland emphasizes a careful balance between its built form and the surrounding landscape. Serving multiple functions, the building acts both as a tourist attraction and an ecological center. The central concept draws on the imagery of a greenhouse, symbolizing the connection between humanity and nature while prioritizing sustainability within its design framework.

Spatial Configuration

The design transforms a simple quadrilateral shape into a triangular form, creating an innovative spatial arrangement. This alteration leads to the development of a central atrium, which reflects the region’s distinctive geological features. The layout encourages easy movement throughout the space, allowing visitors to transition between various areas, including the greenhouse and café, without encountering barriers.

Landscaping and Contextual Integration

Strategically placed within a slight depression, the building showcases expansive views of the volcanic landscape. This thoughtful positioning not only enhances visual appeal but also strengthens the bond between the indoor areas and the exterior environment. The entrance lobby, designed to appear as part of the earth itself, welcomes visitors into the heart of the structure, establishing a welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration.

Material Selections

The construction relies on prefabricated components made from high-performance concrete, glulam, and glass. Each material is chosen to align with key goals of durability and energy efficiency. Glass serves an important function, allowing ample natural light to enter while also maintaining connections to the outside views. This choice of materials ensures longevity, adapting well to the region's climate and environmental conditions.

Design Adaptability

Modular construction techniques are central to this proposal, facilitating flexibility in use and design. This adaptability allows for future growth and adjustments, making the building relevant to changing community needs. As the area around it grows and evolves, the structure remains functional, reinforcing its role as a vital part of local infrastructure.

The interior atrium, filled with light, creates layered spaces that frame the natural scenery, encouraging a sense of exploration for all who enter.

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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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