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Heat-Retaining Greenhouse with Elevated Walkway and Community Space

Author:
Rithika Ramachandran
Heat-Retaining Greenhouse with Elevated Walkway and Community Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with heat-retaining materials and designed with an elevated walkway, the facility integrates greenhouse functions with a multipurpose community space to enhance local engagement and commerce.
5 key facts about this project
01
Heat-retaining materials optimize energy efficiency for greenhouse functions.
02
An elevated walkway enhances accessibility and community interaction.
03
Design responds to the site's unique topography for fluid circulation.
04
Multipurpose hall accommodates various community activities and events.
05
Large glass surfaces maximize natural light and connect indoor spaces to the landscape.

The design for Vogafjós is set in Iceland, a country known for its striking landscapes and varied climate. The project serves as a community hub, combining greenhouse functions with various multifunctional spaces. The concept focuses on creating a relationship between the constructed environment and nature, emphasizing sustainability and encouraging community engagement throughout its design.

Design Considerations

Key elements include an elevated walkway and a community exhibition space that enhance accessibility and foster interaction among visitors and local residents. A dedicated loading and off-loading area supports the movement of goods to and from the site, while a multipurpose hall allows for community events and gatherings. These features ensure a blend of functionality and accessibility, catering to the needs of an active community.

Functional Program

The layout includes various spaces, such as a greenhouse attached to a restaurant, a special dining area, and an exhibition corridor that provides views of the surrounding environment. There is also a shop for local produce and facilities for kitchen and storage, promoting local commerce. This combination of functions creates opportunities for community interaction and engagement, making the space dynamic and inviting.

Structural and Material Considerations

Though specific materials are not heavily discussed, the design focuses on integrating heat-retaining materials within the greenhouse to improve energy efficiency. This approach aligns with the ecological principles found in Icelandic architecture, where sustainability is a priority. Structures are built to endure the wet and windy climate, ensuring durability as well as functionality.

The design promotes social interactions by providing spaces that encourage involvement from local proprietors and residents. With a projected total area of about 2500 square meters and a seating capacity for 120-150 people, the planning emphasizes a careful balance between usability and visual appeal.

Large glass surfaces allow natural light to fill the space, enhancing the greenhouse environment. This design choice brings the outside in, creating an atmosphere that feels open and connected to 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

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