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Rainwater-Collecting Greenhouse in White Concrete Landscape

Authors:
Kiruban Punniyanathan, Daniel Dayupay, Alessio Puglisi, Nicolas Barberot
Rainwater-Collecting Greenhouse in White Concrete Landscape

Project in-detail

The integration of a rainwater collection system and a spacious greenhouse within a white concrete structure enhances sustainability while serving as a multipurpose facility near Myvatn Nature Baths.
5 key facts about this project
01
Prominent rainwater collection system to irrigate garden and greenhouse.
02
Integrated vegetable garden enhances the restaurant's fresh produce offerings.
03
Distinctive slit entrance creates framed views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Concrete construction chosen for durability and sustainability in harsh climate.
05
Interior promenade guides visitors through various functional spaces.

The design located in Iceland, near Myvatn Nature Baths, creates a connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The facility serves several purposes, including a multipurpose room, a vegetable garden integrated with a restaurant, and a greenhouse. The design concept centers around an interior promenade that guides visitors through these spaces, enhancing their experience and interaction with nature.

Design Flow

The layout establishes a clear pathway for visitors, starting at the entrance on the north side. This entrance is marked by a distinct slit that frames views of the outdoors. It is not just an entry point; it sets the tone for what lies ahead. Inside, the space promotes easy movement. Visitors can navigate from one area to another without confusion, enjoying the journey through the different sections.

Sustainability Focus

A key feature of the design is the connection between the restaurant and the vegetable garden. This integration highlights a commitment to sustainability. The garden provides fresh produce for meals and offers visitors a chance to engage with the process of growing food. This relationship between food cultivation and dining reflects an increasing awareness of ecological issues in architecture.

Materiality

Concrete serves as the primary material for this building. It is chosen for its strength and ability to handle Iceland's tough climate. The use of concrete can be seen throughout, offering stability to the structure and grounding it into the landscape. This choice also brings cohesion to the design, creating a unified look that fits well within its environment.

Unique Interaction

The design encourages visitors to engage with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Moving from the multipurpose room to the greenhouse becomes more than just a walk; it is an experience that connects people with nature. Large windows help in this interaction, framing views of the surrounding landscape. The architecture does not simply exist alongside nature; it invites visitors to take in the scenic beauty of the Icelandic terrain.

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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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