Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Glass and Basalt Retreat Designed for Community Engagement

Authors:
Omar Zaki Abdel Rahman Zaki , Ibrahim Baheeg
Reflective Glass and Basalt Retreat Designed for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A retreat characterized by reflective glass façades and local basalt stone integrates seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape, providing a communal space for visitors to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass façades mimic the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual integration.
02
Constructed using local basalt stone for durability and climate resilience.
03
A central gathering hub prioritizes community interaction and user engagement.
04
Sustainable geothermal systems provide efficient heating throughout the structure.
05
Timber finishes create a warm interior atmosphere, contrasting with exterior materials.

### Project Overview
"Echoes of the Elements," located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, responds to the area's unique geological context characterized by volcanic activity. This architectural design serves as both a refuge and a communal hub for residents and tourists, aiming to enhance engagement with the natural environment through a modern interpretation of local architectural practices.

### Spatial Organization
The design features a central gathering area that functions as the main social space, surrounded by smaller, multifunctional rooms tailored for individual or group activities. Essential facilities for skiing, including equipment storage and changing areas, ensure ease of access for users. An observation deck, constructed with extensive glass, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, promoting interaction with the site’s natural beauty.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes a carefully curated selection of materials, highlighting local basalt stone, which complements the glass facades while improving durability. Extensive use of glass not only allows for ample natural light but also creates reflective surfaces that interact with the environment, including the Northern Lights. Timber is strategically integrated to enhance warmth within the structure, while geothermal heating systems are employed to minimize energy consumption, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy