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Parametric Facade of Recycled Plastics Embraces the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Nicolás Odorico, Gustavo alejandro Rosso, Erik franz Medina
Parametric Facade of Recycled Plastics Embraces the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with a parametric facade of recycled ocean plastics, the building harmonizes with Iceland's environment while providing essential community and workspace functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for sustainability.
02
Facade design incorporates recycled ocean plastics for environmental impact.
03
Features a glass dome to enhance views of the aurora borealis.
04
Designed with a cylindrical shape to blend with Iceland's landscapes.
05
Includes a viewpoint deck offering panoramic scenic experiences.

The project is located in Iceland, a country known for its unique landscapes, including volcanoes and glaciers. The design emphasizes a connection with the natural environment while prioritizing sustainability and community participation. With its cylindrical shape, the building represents a collective dedication to caring for the ecosystem. The arrangement includes multiple levels, each serving specific functions that allow for meaningful interactions among users.

Foundation

The base floor sits 1.5 meters above the ground and includes key features like parking spaces for cars and buses, an entrance, a distribution hall, and sanitary facilities. There is also a viewpoint deck, providing visitors with a chance to enjoy the surrounding scenery. This level acts as the main access point, welcoming the public into the space.

Cultural Hub

The sub floor is located five meters below ground level and includes areas for education and community activities. It features a museum entrance, a polivalent room, and a coffee bar, all designed to encourage social interaction. This level is intended as a cultural hub, where people can gather, learn, and connect through various experiences.

Work and Social Spaces

On the first floor, which rises to 5.2 meters, public and private offices are arranged alongside a meeting room. This layout is meant to boost collaboration and productivity. The second floor, elevated at 3.8 meters, enhances the social aspect of the building, featuring a resto bar, kitchen, and additional coworking space, highlighting the importance of communal areas in the design.

Material and Aesthetic Details

A cross-laminated timber panel system forms the primary structure of the building, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The facade displays a parametric design made from recycled ocean plastics, addressing environmental issues and adding visual interest. Furthermore, double hermetic curved glass enhances the building’s thermal efficiency and creates a dynamic presence. A distinctive glass dome is also part of the design, allowing for views of the aurora borealis and offering a unique experience for visitors inside.

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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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