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Pyramidal Form with Glass Facade and Reinforced Concrete in Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Miguel Sousa Rebelo
Pyramidal Form with Glass Facade and Reinforced Concrete in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

The integration of a pyramidal form with a glass facade and reinforced concrete enhances thermal efficiency while providing a seamless connection to the Icelandic landscape, serving as a sustainable residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pyramidal form enhances snow and rain drainage in harsh climates.
02
Large glass panels create a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
03
Reinforced concrete provides durability against extreme weather conditions.
04
Open-plan interior supports flexible spatial use for residents.
05
Biophilic design principles prioritize natural light and surrounding views.

### Overview

Edjfall House is located in Iceland, strategically designed to withstand the region's severe weather conditions while engaging with the surrounding landscape. The intent of the project is to create a resilient living environment that harmonizes with the natural topography, allowing residents to experience the unique beauty of the Icelandic terrain.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The interior layout emphasizes flexibility and social interaction through its open-plan design, allowing for various configurations that accommodate both communal activities and private moments. Spaces are arranged thoughtfully, with living areas, kitchens, and sleeping quarters positioned to enhance functionality and take advantage of panoramic views. This careful planning includes staircases and multiple access points, ensuring mobility and accessibility throughout the home.

### Material Choices and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a critical role in the performance and environmental sustainability of Edjfall House. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural durability, extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and capitalize on solar heat gain, warm wood accents that reflect traditional Icelandic architecture, and steel for robust framework support. This combination not only reinforces the house's resilience against harsh weather but also establishes a visual connection with the landscape, acting as both an aesthetic and functional element of the design.

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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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