Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Petal-Inspired Compact Home Crafted From Sustainable Timber And Enhanced With Solar Technology

Authors:
IABLONSKAIA EKATERINA, BOLDYREVA ANASTASIIA, TERTERYAN ARTEM, DYAKONOV NIKITA
Petal-Inspired Compact Home Crafted From Sustainable Timber And Enhanced With Solar Technology

Project in-detail

Crafted from petal-inspired folding elements and sustainable timber, this compact home integrates solar technology to provide an adaptable living space that harmonizes with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Petal-inspired folding mechanism allows for adaptable living space.
02
Constructed with sustainable cross-laminated timber for enhanced durability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic character.
04
Integrated solar panels support energy self-sufficiency in the design.
05
Large glass panels create a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape.

### Overview

The *Flower House* is situated in Iceland and presents a novel approach to sustainable architecture by emphasizing adaptable living spaces that engage with the surrounding natural landscape. This design aims to integrate built environments with ecological considerations, responding to the unique characteristics of the region’s unspoiled terrain.

### Conceptual Framework

This structure is characterized by its portable and transformable design, inspired by the natural process of a flower blooming. It features a folding mechanism that allows for expansion and contraction, adapting its size and form to various environmental contexts. The initial compact form facilitates transportation, while the unfolding process creates an inviting space for occupants. The interior configuration is strategically organized to ensure functionality and a strong connection to the outdoors, enhancing the livability of the space. Additionally, the house can be secured for protection against adverse weather conditions without compromising its visual appeal.

### Materiality and Ecological Integration

The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in achieving the design’s sustainability goals. The primary use of sustainable wood not only promotes environmental responsibility but also contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere. Solar panels are integrated into the roof, enabling energy self-sufficiency, while large glass panels enhance natural lighting and provide panoramic views of the landscape. High-quality insulation materials are utilized to regulate indoor temperatures, ensuring comfort in varying climates. The design employs passive solar principles, optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources by facilitating airflow and maximizing natural light within the structure.

This ecological sensitivity, coupled with flexible design features, enables the *Flower House* to serve various purposes, from temporary accommodations for tourism to permanent community spaces. The striking visual identity, marked by bright colors and organic shapes, fosters an artistic dialogue with Iceland’s rugged landscape, reinforcing the house's role as both a dwelling and a piece of art in nature.

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