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Resilient Greenhouse Courtyard Integrating Local Agriculture

Author:
Wasaa Architects
Resilient Greenhouse Courtyard Integrating Local Agriculture

Project in-detail

A series of interconnected greenhouses create a resilient courtyard that fosters local agriculture while providing a unique farm-to-table dining experience in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
An integrated courtyard encourages community engagement in agricultural practices.
02
Greenhouses encircle the courtyard, promoting year-round local food production.
03
The design follows the natural slope of the landscape, enhancing connectivity with the site.
04
Sustainable practices are emphasized throughout the layout, reflecting ecological sensitivity.
05
The arrangement prioritizes intimate experiences between diners and the surrounding nature.

The project is set in the distinctive landscape of Iceland, characterized by volcanic formations and geothermal features. It emphasizes a strong connection to the earth and focuses on sustainable practices through agriculture. The design integrates with the surrounding terrain, creating a balanced relationship between the built environment and nature. Key functions include greenhouses, a kitchen, and a restaurant that together highlight the theme of farm-to-table dining.

Design Concept

With inspiration drawn from Iceland's natural geological features, the design explores the powerful elements that shape the landscape. The building is designed to stay low, following the natural curves of the land. This decision reinforces the idea that architecture should exist in harmony with its environment, promoting a sense of belonging within the landscape.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout invites visitors on a journey through the space. As guests enter, they are guided to descend towards the restaurant, mirroring the slope of the terrain. This descent provides an engaging experience that physically connects people to the earth. The arrangement encourages interaction with the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall experience of dining in this unique location.

Courtyard and Greenhouses

A central feature is the courtyard, which serves as a gathering space that brings the landscape inward. Surrounded by greenhouses, this area emphasizes the importance of agriculture in the design. The greenhouses not only serve a practical purpose by growing local produce but also embody the resilience of nature. They reflect the ability to cultivate life, even through the harshness of Icelandic winter.

Materiality

Specific materials are not mentioned in the presentation text, suggesting an emphasis on sustainability and environmental coherence. This openness allows for different interpretations of how to construct the building. The focus remains on creating a design that resonates with the landscape while ensuring functionality and aesthetic quality.

The project creates a setting where indoor and outdoor spaces merge, encouraging visitors to connect with the Icelandic landscape and appreciate the local agricultural bounty.

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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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