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Plant-Cultivating Spaces Overlooking Hverfjall with Rainwater Collection

Author:
Fengyi Wang
Plant-Cultivating Spaces Overlooking Hverfjall with Rainwater Collection

Project in-detail

Double-height plant cultivation spaces provide a unique dining experience with unobstructed views of Hverfjall while utilizing rainwater collection for sustainable operations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Double-height spaces enhance visibility and engagement in plant cultivation.
02
Inward-sloping roof design facilitates effective rainwater collection.
03
Dining area directly overlooks Hverfjall volcano and Mývatn Nature Baths.
04
Operational layout promotes seamless circulation between guest and support areas.
05
Integration of local geothermal heating supports energy efficiency.

The design focuses on integrating the surrounding natural landscapes with spaces intended for dining and food production. Located close to Hverfjall volcano and Mývatn Nature Baths in Iceland, the building aims to create a strong visual connection with its environment. The concept centers on sustainability and resource use, presenting the structure as a tool that provides shelter for people and plants alike. It transforms elements from nature into energy and resources that support its operations.

Roof Design

The roof features an inward slope that helps with rainwater collection. This design choice considers the local weather and creates a way to use natural resources for the building's needs. By capturing rainwater, the approach enhances resource efficiency and reflects an understanding of sustainable practices in architecture.

Interior Spaces

Inside, there are double-height areas designated for plant cultivation. These spaces serve a practical purpose, allowing for food growth, but also create opportunities for guests and staff to engage visually with the process. This connection between growing and dining encourages awareness of where food comes from, enriching the overall culinary experience.

Spatial Organization

The layout promotes easy movement between guest areas and operational spaces. This organization provides a sense of flow while preserving a focused dining experience. Visitors can appreciate the relationship between the production of food and its consumption, creating an environment that highlights important aspects of sustainability.

Materiality and Connection

While specific materials are not mentioned, the design emphasizes local resources that align with the natural setting. Large windows allow ample daylight into the building and connect the indoors with the outdoor scenery. This design decision reinforces the relationship between the architecture and the environment, showcasing the area’s unique characteristics and maintaining a strong sense of place.

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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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