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Hexagonal Basalt-Inspired Design Showcasing Plywood and Glazed Facades for Community Living

Author:
Daniel Ibrahim
Hexagonal Basalt-Inspired Design Showcasing Plywood and Glazed Facades for Community Living

Project in-detail

Informed by the natural forms of hexagonal basalt and constructed with plywood and extensive glazing, this community space integrates energy-efficient design principles with viewing platforms for experiencing the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the region's hexagonal basalt formations, the design incorporates angular architectural elements.
02
Constructed with renewable cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability in material use.
03
Extensive glazing allows for optimal natural light and unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
04
Mobile guest units provide flexible accommodation options, adapting to varying visitor needs.
05
Integrated wind turbines contribute to the site's energy sustainability, minimizing reliance on external sources.

### Project Overview
The Northern Lights architectural design is situated in a rural area of Iceland, integrating seamlessly with the dramatic landscape while responding to the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. The design intent focuses on bridging architectural form with the extraordinary visual experience of the Northern Lights, offering functional spaces that enhance the appreciation of the surrounding environment.

### Site Planning and Renewable Energy Integration
The site layout comprises multiple components, including a main building designed for communal activities, a renewable energy generation station featuring wind turbines, and mobile units for transient accommodation. This arrangement maximizes accessibility and visual impact while minimizing ecological footprint. The use of renewable energy sources reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, aligning with contemporary architectural practices that advocate for ecological stewardship.

### Materiality and Spatial Design
The material choices inform both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project. Predominantly, wood serves as the primary structural element and finish, fostering warmth and a tactile connection to the surroundings. Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and provides unobstructed views of the night sky, enhancing the experience of the Aurora. Furthermore, advanced insulation systems, including plywood boarding and various forms of thermal insulation, contribute to energy efficiency, ensuring comfort within the extremes of the Icelandic climate.

The interior spaces are designed to promote interaction and a sense of community, featuring open dining areas with large windows for scenic views, elevated viewing platforms for stargazing, and tranquil guest rooms that encourage a connection to nature. Skylights and expansive glazing strategically enhance the flow of natural light, enabling an intimate relationship between the interior and the exterior 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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