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Greenhouse Effect in a Triangle with Corten and Steel

Authors:
Rosina Dück, Jennifer Cuadro
Greenhouse Effect in a Triangle with Corten and Steel

Project in-detail

A large skylight captures natural light within a triangular structure defined by a durable steel envelope and warm wooden interior, creating flexible spaces for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large skylight designed to enhance natural light and temperature regulation.
02
Triangular form allows for unique spatial flexibility and user interaction.
03
Steel envelope provides durability while the wooden interior adds warmth.
04
Integrates passive heating strategies to optimize energy efficiency.
05
Inner courtyard fosters community engagement and social connections.

The Light Triangle is located near Lake Myvatn in Reykjahlio, Iceland. It features a triangular design that focuses on enhancing user experience through effective use of space and natural light. Flexible areas within the building allow for various activities, accommodating the needs of different users in a tranquil setting.

Architecture Concept

At the heart of the design is a large skylight that plays a key role in maximizing light. Situated centrally and elevated, the skylight allows sunlight to flow into the space. Light reflects off the pavement, illuminating surrounding areas and creating a connection between inside and outside.



Environmental Responsiveness

The architecture responds well to its environment, featuring a triangular base defined by a steel envelope that forms the exterior. This layer provides strength and durability. Inside, a wooden envelope brings warmth and a natural quality to the interior spaces. This thoughtful combination enhances both functionality and aesthetics.



Material Choices

The skylight consists of triple-glazed hermetic units with PVC profiles, which improve insulation and energy efficiency. An inclined sheet metal roof is effective in directing water away while contributing a sleek profile. The facade uses glass and prefabricated concrete slabs covered with Corten steel, which withstand the local climate and requires little maintenance.



Functional Layout

The layout includes key functional areas such as waiting spaces, an office, a coffee shop, and storage. An inner courtyard serves as a communal area, enhancing interaction among users. These spaces are designed to encourage a sense of community and connection, enhancing the overall experience within the building.



The skylight not only acts as an important design feature but also optimizes energy performance, creating a greenhouse effect that helps maintain comfort and harnesses solar energy throughout the day.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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