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Ice-Inspired Structure Featuring Glulam Beams and Aluminum Cladding Serving as Brewery and Café

Authors:
Li Yiyang, Ziyan Cai
Ice-Inspired Structure Featuring Glulam Beams and Aluminum Cladding Serving as Brewery and Café

Project in-detail

An angular, ice-inspired form constructed with glulam beams and aluminum cladding creates a multifunctional space that houses a brewery and café, seamlessly integrating into the breathtaking landscape of northeast Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
An ice-inspired design evokes the landscape's geology, integrating seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
02
Glulam beams allow for expansive interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity across varying weather conditions.
03
Aluminum cladding reflects light, mimicking the visual qualities of ice while providing low maintenance.
04
Large glass panels maximize natural light and showcase panoramic views of the Icelandic terrain.
05
The layout fosters a multi-functional environment, combining spaces for brewing, dining, and relaxation.

### Project Overview
Located in northeast Iceland, near the Myvatn area, Falling Icecube integrates with the natural landscape while providing a multifunctional space that includes a brewery, café, and lodging. The intent is to enhance visitor experiences through a connection to the surrounding environment, promoting social interaction and cultural engagement.

### Spatial Dynamics and Functionality
The layout is designed with a clear distinction between public and private areas. The ground floor encompasses the main communal spaces, including the brewery and café, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere. The first floor houses more intimate spaces such as treatment and relaxation rooms, enhanced by panoramic windows that frame expansive views of the landscape. The angular geometry of the building creates a dynamic visual appeal, echoing the theme of ice while maximizing spatial efficiency.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Materials were chosen to reflect the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape and to support sustainable practices. Birch timber serves as the primary construction material, offering durability and warmth, while white aluminum cladding provides a low-maintenance exterior that visually resonates with the snowy environment. Strategic use of glass allows natural light penetration, reinforcing the connection between the interior and the exterior landscape. Concrete elements ensure stability and resilience against harsh weather conditions, completing the structure's sustainable profile.

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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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