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Rammed Concrete Greenhouses Enhancing Community Interaction in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Phuc Vinh nguyen, Bang Huu luong, Giang Thi huong ha, Chau Minh bui
Rammed Concrete Greenhouses Enhancing Community Interaction in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Comprising three distinct greenhouse spaces built from rammed concrete, the design fosters community interaction while blending seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape to serve as a multifunctional hub for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed concrete is used throughout the structure for durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
The design includes three distinct greenhouse spaces, each serving a unique function related to sustainability.
03
Visitor pathways are strategically placed to promote exploration and connection with the surrounding environment.
04
Large windows in the greenhouses maximize natural light and foster plant growth while enhancing visitor experiences.
05
The project emphasizes local sourcing by providing fresh produce for the on-site restaurant directly from the greenhouses.

Station Mývatn is located in Iceland, thoughtfully designed to connect with the surrounding landscape. The development features a low-profile and horizontal layout that respects the expansive views of the Mývatn area. Its purpose includes providing various spaces for visitors, such as greenhouses, a restaurant, and areas for engagement. This design aims to enhance accessibility while blending into the natural environment.

Design Concept

The design places great importance on harmonizing with the site's topography. By adopting a horizontal form, it allows the architecture to maintain the integrity of the landscape without being intrusive. The pathways weave through the site, connecting different functional areas and inviting visitors to explore while appreciating the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Functional Organization

The layout consists of four key components, including three greenhouse spaces that serve various purposes. The entrance area offers easy access to both existing and new parking spaces along with luggage storage. This entrance acts as a gateway, directing visitors into multipurpose areas and promoting fluid circulation throughout the site while reinforcing the connection to the outdoor environment.

Greenhouse Integration

The integration of greenhouses plays a vital role, especially in relation to the restaurant. One greenhouse is dedicated to providing fresh vegetables, creating a sustainable model that supports local sourcing. This relationship enriches the dining experience, allowing visitors to feel connected to the growing process, as the interior space interacts closely with the greenery outside.

Materiality

Materials are selected to support the building’s design and its relationship with the landscape. Rammed concrete is used prominently for structural integrity, offering durability while blending with the natural setting. The warm, earthy tones of the concrete complement the surrounding environment, reflecting a commitment to a cohesive aesthetic.

Large windows in the greenhouse areas let in plenty of natural light. This choice enhances the experience for visitors and helps the plants grow, further connecting interior and exterior spaces. The design encourages a relationship with nature that extends beyond mere observation, allowing visitors to engage with the environment in a meaningful way.

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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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