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Moss-Covered Roof and Expansive Glazing Unite in Eco-Friendly Nordic Venue

Authors:
Gary Stanesby, Edoardo Albertini petroni, Alice Appleby, Abre Etteh, Abre Etteh
Moss-Covered Roof and Expansive Glazing Unite in Eco-Friendly Nordic Venue

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a moss-covered roof and expansive glazing, the design harmonizes with Iceland's rugged landscape to serve as a multi-purpose venue for immersive experiences and engagement with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moss-covered roofing integrates the structure into the Icelandic landscape while providing natural insulation.
02
Large glazed panels optimize natural light and frame expansive views of the surrounding terrain.
03
The use of cross-laminated timber enhances structural efficiency and promotes sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a unique texture to the facade.
05
A bent A-frame design allows for versatile spatial arrangements within the multi-purpose venue.

Skyrmir is an architectural project located in Iceland, designed to enhance the interaction between the built environment and the natural landscape. Inspired by Norse mythology and the region's cultural heritage, the project aims to create a space where visitors can engage deeply with Iceland's unique geography. Its architectural design features a combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal, providing distinct areas for exploration and experience, including galleries, multi-purpose rooms, and a cinema designed for immersive viewing.

Innovative Design Strategies

The architectural design employs a dual-gabled form that echoes traditional Icelandic turf houses while incorporating modern construction techniques. This design choice not only respects local architectural precedents but also optimizes the building's performance in response to the climatic conditions typical of the region. A steeply pitched roof ensures effective snow management, while a green roofing system featuring moss and grass serves as natural insulation and enhances visual integration with the surrounding environment.

Wide expanses of glass play a crucial role in the project's design, bridging the interior spaces with the breathtaking landscapes outside. This strategic use of glazing encourages natural light penetration, ensuring that all areas maintain a connection to the outdoors throughout different times of the day. The thoughtful placement of windows and openings provides dynamic visual experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy changing views as they traverse the building.

Sustainable and Adaptive Solutions

The material palette reflects a commitment to sustainability, favoring local resources that reduce transportation emissions and overall environmental impact. Timber is utilized extensively in the structure, contributing warmth and traditional character. Concrete forms the foundational elements, offering durability against the harsh elements. Acoustic panels enhance the multi-purpose areas, ensuring optimal sound quality for various functions, including presentations and film screenings.

By creating adaptable spaces, the design accommodates a variety of events and gatherings, ensuring year-round usability. The cinema, in particular, is designed to enhance viewer engagement by framing external vistas within the film experience, promoting both entertainment and appreciation of the natural surroundings.

The holistic approach in material selection, spatial organization, and integration with the environment situates Skyrmir as a noteworthy architectural endeavor that respects and elevates its geographical context.

To explore more about Skyrmir, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to delve into the project's presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural ideas and implementation.

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

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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