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Rammed Earth Walls with Curved Steel Beams Enhancing Community Connectivity

Authors:
Susanna Greiner, Maria Malloch, Anna Wiles, Katie Johnson
Rammed Earth Walls with Curved Steel Beams Enhancing Community Connectivity

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth construction with curved steel beams, this communal shelter offers a unique refuge that harmonizes with its Icelandic landscape while fostering social interaction among visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides high thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Curved steel beams support an organic shape, fostering a connection with the landscape.
03
Expansive glass windows create seamless indoor-outdoor flow and natural lighting.
04
A serpentine path leads visitors to the entrance, enhancing the experience of arrival.
05
The design prioritizes community interaction, accommodating both private and public gatherings.
The architectural project "Incandesc" is situated in Iceland, designed as a shelter that integrates seamlessly with its natural environment. The building serves as a communal space, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the surrounding landscape while fostering social interaction. The architecture reflects a careful consideration of both form and function, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The design emphasizes a flowing plan with curved and rectilinear forms, evoking a sense of movement. The entrance is accessed via a serpentine path, enhancing the connection between the building and its landscape. Inside, the layout promotes interaction with an open design that allows for both public gatherings and intimate conversations. A prominent staircase spirals through the space, facilitating vertical circulation and creating visual connections between different levels.

Material selection plays a crucial role in Incandesc's design. The use of rammed earth provides thermal mass, connecting the structure to its site while ensuring energy efficiency. Curved steel beams offer structural support while maintaining the building's organic forms. Double-paned glass windows afford expansive views and natural light, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor relationship. A translucent ETFE membrane covers the roof, allowing diffused sunlight to enter while enhancing insulation. The polished concrete flooring contributes durability and modernity to the interior.

The architectural identity of Incandesc is defined by its integration with the landscape and its commitment to sustainability. By prioritizing renewable materials and passive heating strategies, the building minimizes its environmental impact while enhancing user experience. This approach distinguishes Incandesc from typical architectural projects that lack a cohesive environmental focus.

Overall, Incandesc is a testament to thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes community engagement and environmental compatibility. To gain deeper insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and unique ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for additional details.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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