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Plexiglass and Larch Timber House Integrating Nature and Community

Author:
Valeria Savinova
Plexiglass and Larch Timber House Integrating Nature and Community

Project in-detail

Constructed with larch timber and incorporating extensive plexiglass glazing, the facility offers a substantial greenhouse and community spaces designed to foster interaction and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
A large greenhouse of 2150 m² supports sustainable practices and environmental education.
02
Extensive use of plexiglass provides natural lighting while maintaining views of the surroundings.
03
Roofing made of larch shingles enhances durability and integrates with the natural environment.
04
The facility features dedicated technical spaces, including a 36 m² laboratory for research.
05
Strategically placed entrances ensure efficient circulation and easy access throughout the building.

Sidus Aureum is an architectural endeavor located near the Mývatn Nature Baths and the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland. The design combines various communal and operational spaces, aiming to encourage interaction and cooperation between visitors and users. The overall concept integrates the building with the surrounding environment, creating a blend of indoor activities and natural beauty.

Functional Layout

The layout of Sidus Aureum features a variety of spaces designed for specific purposes. At the heart of the design is a kitchen that measures 187 m², which connects directly to a 385 m² dining hall. This arrangement supports community meals and gatherings. Additional areas such as a 15 m² washing office and a 65 m² W/C add to the building's functionality. The recreational space emphasizes the importance of leisure and well-being for all who use the facility.

Greenhouse and Technical Spaces

A significant aspect of Sidus Aureum is its large greenhouse, which spans 2150 m². This area not only promotes sustainable practices but also serves as a resource for environmental education. The inclusion of technical facilities, such as a 36 m² laboratory, highlights the project's commitment to supporting research and fostering a connection with nature.

Zoning and Circulation

The design features a clear zoning strategy that categorizes spaces into entrance, service, storage, and administration areas. This helps to create a structured experience for users while facilitating smooth movement within the building. Careful placement of entrances, including the main entry and specific accesses for the greenhouse and multipurpose hall, ensures easy navigation and safe evacuation routes.

Materials and Aesthetic

Selected materials for Sidus Aureum reflect a desire to connect with the local environment. The roof is covered with larch shingles, which provide both durability and a natural look. The outer walls, made of larch and oak timber, create a warm atmosphere. Large areas of plexiglass allow for natural light, enhancing the building's connection to its surroundings. Additionally, glued wooden structures ensure stability, while stainless steel frames for the greenhouse reinforce the project's focus on quality.

As individuals enter the building, they encounter a thoughtful combination of natural materials and functional design. This blend illustrates the multifunctional role of Sidus Aureum and its dedication to harmonizing with the beauty of its setting.

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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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