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Rammed Earth and Curved Steel Create a Shelter for Connection

Authors:
Susanna Greiner, Maria Malloch, Anna Wiles, Katie Johnson
Rammed Earth and Curved Steel Create a Shelter for Connection

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls combined with curved steel beams provide a durable refuge, offering panoramic views that encourage social interaction in a multifunctional space for travelers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal stability and blend with the natural landscape.
02
Curved steel beams support wide, open interior spaces without obstructing views.
03
Panoramic windows maximize natural light and connect users to the surrounding environment.
04
Outdoor seating areas encourage community interaction and relaxation in nature.
05
The design integrates multiple functional areas, catering to diverse visitor needs.

Incandesce is a well-designed structure situated in the rugged landscape of Iceland. It serves as a refuge for travelers, providing warmth and shelter in a challenging environment. The design concept focuses on balancing comfort with the need to connect people, creating inviting spaces for interaction while respecting the surrounding nature.

Functionality and Layout

The layout accommodates various needs, including restrooms, an exhibition area, seating areas, workspaces, an information area, storage, a coffee shop, and outdoor seating. This arrangement allows for social interaction and personal reflection, making the space suitable for different types of visitors and their activities.

Spatial Connection

Panoramic windows are a key feature of the design, enhancing the link between the interior and the outdoors. These windows invite ample natural light inside while providing views of the landscape. This connection helps visitors feel a part of the natural setting, fostering a sense of awareness about their surroundings.

Material Selection

A range of materials are chosen for their practical and aesthetic qualities. Metal shingles and curved steel beams provide structural support while contributing to the building's appearance. Polished concrete floors offer durability, while the use of rammed earth creates a tactile experience that resonates with the environment. Erosion-resistant cement and double-paned glass windows improve energy efficiency, and insulation along with waterproof membranes ensure protection from the local climate.

Design Detail

The design integrates space for people to gather and reflect. Outdoor seating allows visitors to sit together and enjoy the scenery. This area encourages community engagement and enhances the overall experience as people interact with each other and the Icelandic landscape.

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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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