Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Residential retreat featuring polycarbonate roofing and modular timber construction in a sustainable design.

Authors:
IABLONSKAIA EKATERINA, BOLDYREVA ANASTASIIA, TERTERYAN ARTEM, DYAKONOV NIKITA
Residential retreat featuring polycarbonate roofing and modular timber construction in a sustainable design.

Project in-detail

This residential retreat seamlessly combines a modular wooden structure with polycarbonate roofing, creating a flexible living space that embraces the Icelandic landscape while prioritizing sustainability through innovative water collection and solar energy solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The structure's roof is designed to alter its angles, allowing for enhanced natural light and ventilation control throughout different seasons.
02
Innovative rainwater harvesting systems are seamlessly integrated into the building's design to support self-sufficiency in water management.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used to enhance durability while providing a unique textural contrast against the smooth surfaces of the polycarbonate panels.
04
The flexible layout allows for open spaces to be reconfigured based on occupancy needs, facilitating both privacy and community interaction.
05
Emphasis on using local materials not only minimizes transportation impact but also ensures a closer connection to the surrounding Icelandic environment.
The Flower House is an innovative architectural project that deftly balances aesthetics and functionality, embodying a design ethos that promotes sustainability and connection with nature. Situated in the picturesque landscape of Iceland, the project represents a new approach to residential living, showcasing how architecture can harmonize with its environment while responding effectively to user needs.

At its core, the Flower House is designed as a dynamic space that accommodates various activities. Its spacious and adaptable interior layout allows residents to modify the environment according to their requirements, whether for solitude, family gathering, or community engagement. The architectural design elegantly unfolds, much like the petals of a flower, creating opportunities for social interaction while maintaining areas for privacy and retreat. This seamless transition between different spaces within the house emphasizes the importance of functionality in contemporary residential architecture.

The project embraces the principle of sustainability, employing materials that resonate with the local context and ethos. The use of structural steel ensures the building is robust, while polycarbonate panels provide an effective barrier against the elements without compromising natural light. Timber, chosen for its warmth and aesthetic appeal, is incorporated throughout the house, facilitating a subtle connection to the surrounding landscape. By utilizing photovoltaic panels and an efficient water collection system, the Flower House aspires to achieve energy self-sufficiency, underscoring the responsibility of modern architecture to minimize environmental impact.

Among the unique design approaches evident in the Flower House is its origami-inspired structure. This innovative form not only optimizes the building’s footprint, allowing it to blend more harmoniously with the terrain, but also enriches the visual experience of the landscape. Large openings, strategically placed to take advantage of the Icelandic sunlight, enhance the dwelling’s relationship with the outside world. These features contribute to a sense of fluidity within the architecture, ensuring that natural light animates the interior spaces throughout the day.

The layered roof design is another distinctive attribute of the Flower House. Its undulating contours create an inviting silhouette while serving practical functions, such as facilitating natural ventilation and minimizing heat loss. The roof structure can undergo minor adjustments, allowing it to respond to seasonal changes and providing both aesthetic variety and functional benefits. This adaptability makes it a modern solution to climatic challenges, particularly in a region characterized by such dynamic weather patterns.

Overall, the Flower House serves as a testament to the potential of contemporary architecture to merge technical precision with organic form. Its design fosters a deeper connection between inhabitants and the natural world, promoting well-being and community engagement. Each thoughtful detail reflects a commitment to creating spaces that are not only livable but also enhance the overall quality of life.

For those interested in delving further into this project, exploring architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will offer richer insights into the creative process and the underlying principles guiding the Flower House. This exploration reveals how a well-conceived architectural project can influence and inspire its environment and its occupants alike.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16544 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