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Graywater-Integrated Facility with Geothermal Features and GRC Cladding

Authors:
Tim Kasimir Schmidt, Victoria Lise-joanne Broad Foot, Bennet William Harvey, Emily Amber Michelle Lalonde
Graywater-Integrated Facility with Geothermal Features and GRC Cladding

Project in-detail

With its graywater management system and GRC cladding, this facility seamlessly integrates sustainable practices into its design, offering a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts in the ecologically rich Mývatn region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated graywater management system used for garden irrigation.
02
GRC cladding mimics local geological formations for visual integration.
03
Observation decks strategically placed for optimal views of the Northern Lights.
04
Native plant landscaping enhances local biodiversity and ecology.
05
Geothermal energy source utilized for sustainable heating.

**Overview**
Mývatn Refuge is located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, characterized by its striking volcanic landscape and ecological diversity. The design intention is to provide a functional space that serves both human visitors and local wildlife while incorporating environmentally sensitive solutions. Positioned near Lake Mývatn and the Krafla Caldera, the structure aims to foster outdoor engagement and promote a deeper connection with the surrounding natural environment, including views of the Aurora Borealis.

**Architectural Strategy**
The spatial organization of the refuge prioritizes accessibility and interaction, featuring a central rest area that functions as a communal hub for visitors. The layout includes essential facilities such as a garage, storage areas, and an observation deck that enhances the overall user experience within the context of various outdoor activities. Garden pockets integrated into the site not only beautify the landscape, but also utilize graywater for irrigation, reflecting the commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices.

**Material Selection and Environmental Integration**
The building employs a range of materials specifically chosen for their environmental adaptability and aesthetic qualities. Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) forms the exterior shell, allowing for organic shapes that reflect the surrounding geology, while galvanized steel studs ensure structural resilience against the region's harsh weather conditions. Interior finishes are designed to provide warmth, counterbalancing the cooler external climate. Innovations include a graywater management system drawn from local ecological patterns, promoting a closed-loop method for water use that benefits the surrounding landscape.

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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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