Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Lateral Lines and Community Resilience in a Multifunctional Greenhouse Space

Author:
Pei-ling Lu
Lateral Lines and Community Resilience in a Multifunctional Greenhouse Space

Project in-detail

Drawing from the sensory biology of fish, the design incorporates lateral lines to create a cohesive space that serves as a multifunctional community hub and a shared greenhouse.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates principles of fish biology to influence spatial flow.
02
Features a multifunctional greenhouse that supports urban agriculture.
03
Utilizes secondhand resource areas for waste reduction and recycling.
04
Designed with a focus on community interaction and engagement.
05
Optimizies natural light and ventilation through thoughtful spatial arrangement.

Located in Iceland, the building takes its inspiration from the country's strong connection to marine fisheries, focusing particularly on cod as a major export. The design integrates the local landscape with the community's daily life. It serves multiple functions, designed to promote social interaction and sustainable practices. The overall concept emphasizes a blend of ecological awareness and community engagement.

Community Engagement

The layout encourages people to come together. An activity center and a shared greenhouse offer spaces for collaboration and learning. A visitor center serves as the main entry point, while an audiovisual room and information zone provide venues for discussions and presentations. These elements work together to create a lively hub for community activities.

Functional Distribution

Several key functions within the space focus on practical usage and sustainability. Lavatories and waste/resource collection areas are easy to access, reinforcing the commitment to responsible waste management. An organic waste management zone along with a secondhand resource exchange area fosters a culture of recycling and reuse. These features promote environmental responsibility among visitors.

User-Centric Design

The second floor enhances usability, with semi-outdoor spaces that connect the interior to the outside environment. Areas dedicated to children support educational play and learning experiences. The dining area and kitchen invite communal gatherings, while office and conference rooms provide flexibility for various functions. These thoughtful arrangements make the building adaptable and welcoming.

Architectural expression reflects the duality of Iceland’s landscape. It combines elements that evoke both the coldness of ice and the warmth of community spirit. A carefully designed facade establishes a visual connection with the surrounding landscape, creating a pleasing experience that invites exploration and social interaction.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy