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Sailing Fabric Canopies and Aluminium Structures in a Wind-Responsive Design in Iceland

Sailing Fabric Canopies and Aluminium Structures in a Wind-Responsive Design in Iceland

Project in-detail

Incorporating sailing fabric canopies and a durable aluminium framework, the design seamlessly adapts to the Icelandic landscape while providing essential recreational facilities for visitors to engage with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates sailing fabric canopies that respond to environmental conditions.
02
Utilizes an aluminium frame for durability in harsh climates.
03
Integrates basalt stone, linking the design to local geology.
04
Features flexible, modular spaces for various recreational functions.
05
Includes a viewing deck to enhance user interaction with the landscape.

**Overview**

Located in Iceland, the design seeks to achieve a harmonious integration with the local landscape, characterized by its dramatic topography and prevailing winds. The intent is to create a built environment that emphasizes interaction with nature, utilizing wind dynamics and the natural contours of the site to inform architectural form and function. This report discusses the project's key elements, including its spatial organization, material choices, and user experiences.

**Spatial Organization**

The layout of the facility is strategically defined to enhance usability and flow among functional areas, which include an information point, changing rooms, snow service facilities, and a viewing deck. The arrangement is oriented according to the prevailing northern winds, establishing a logical progression that encourages movement and connection among visitors. The design supports various activities while allowing users to engage with the dynamic landscape, enhancing the overall experience.

**Material Choices and Environmental Integration**

Materials selected for construction emphasize both durability and aesthetic resonance with the Icelandic environment. Aluminium serves as the primary structural component due to its lightweight and weather-resistant properties, while sailing fabric offers an effective solution for sheltering spaces, echoing the region's maritime culture. Basalt, a locally sourced volcanic stone, adds to the project's structural integrity and visual connection to the site’s geology. This thoughtful materiality supports the overall design principle of blending with the natural landscape, fostering an atmosphere where users can experience the elemental forces at play, such as wind and light, throughout the seasons.

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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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