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Inclined Volumes with Polycarbonate Light and Community Greenhouse

Author:
Arnon Van embden spanjaard
Inclined Volumes with Polycarbonate Light and Community Greenhouse

Project in-detail

Two inclined volumes enhance natural light and integrate sustainable practices, creating an engaging space for a restaurant and community-focused greenhouse in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two inclined volumes mirror the natural landscape of Myvatn.
02
Polycarbonate panels provide diffuse daylight for the greenhouse.
03
Modular timber construction supports CO2 storage benefits.
04
Public roof encourages visitor interaction with the environment.
05
Integrated heating elements ensure optimal conditions for plant growth.

Located in the Myvatn hills of Iceland, the design features two inclined volumes that reflect the region's natural landscape. The building serves multiple functions, including a restaurant, kitchen, toilets, storage facilities, a multi-functional hall, and a greenhouse. The overall concept emphasizes a strong relationship between the structure and the environment, with a public roof that encourages visitors to engage with the spectacular views around them.

Architectural Form

The architectural form is defined by the two connecting volumes, which create a dialogue with the nearby hills. The design allows the building to blend into its surroundings, respecting the natural features of the site. The angled roof gives the structure a unique profile while providing practical benefits; it efficiently directs rainwater and snowmelt away from the building.

Interior Spaces

Inside, the layout enhances visitor experience and interaction with the greenhouse. A warm atmosphere welcomes guests, guiding them from the entrance through a passage into the core of the building. The greenhouse acts as a focal point, where visitors can observe the growth of local produce. This arrangement encourages diverse activities and cultivates a sense of community among guests.

Sustainability Aspects

Sustainability is a key element of the design, highlighted by the use of modular timber construction that aids in CO2 storage. This method reduces environmental impact and allows for efficient prefabrication, important in Iceland's unpredictable weather. The design prioritizes local materials, reinforcing a commitment to ecological responsibility throughout the building process.

Materials and Performance

Materials chosen for the building are important for both function and appearance. Polycarbonate is used in the greenhouse to provide diffuse daylight, supporting the right conditions for plant growth. Glass is incorporated in the entrance and facade to create a strong connection between the interior spaces and the beautiful landscape outside.

The building culminates in a roof that invites nature in, creating a connection between the interior environment and the outside world. It invites exploration and curiosity, allowing the surrounding ecology to become part of the experience.

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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
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