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Seamless Transparency and Natural Wood Integration in Community Gathering Space

Author:
Xinyu Li
Seamless Transparency and Natural Wood Integration in Community Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Large glass panels create transparency and connect the interior to the stunning Hverfjall volcano while the use of wood and sealed concrete ensures both functionality and warmth in this multifunctional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large glass facades provide unobstructed views of the Hverfjall volcano.
02
The greenhouse integrates food production directly into the communal kitchen.
03
Modular components allow for future adjustments and expansions as needed.
04
Wood and sealed concrete create an effective thermal mass for climate control.
05
The layout promotes seamless transitions between varying community activities.

The design is situated near the Hverfjall volcano and focuses on connecting with the natural surroundings while serving various community needs. It is intended for multiple functions, including meetings, social events, and dining. The overall concept emphasizes openness and flexibility, promoting interaction among users and creating a welcoming environment despite the harsh climate conditions.

Function and Spatial Design

The layout is organized around a central multipurpose area, with dedicated spaces for an open kitchen and dining area. This arrangement encourages community engagement and allows for easy transitions between different activities. The design accommodates a range of functions, making it suitable for various events and gatherings.

Materials Employed

The primary materials used in the construction are wood and sealed concrete. Wood forms the structural framework, providing both strength and a warm appearance. Sealed concrete serves as the flooring, ensuring durability and effective heat retention. This combination helps the building perform well in the local climate, creating a comfortable indoor space.

Greenhouse Integration

An important feature is the greenhouse attached to the dining area. This space is designed for growing vegetables and fruits, enhancing sustainability by providing fresh produce for meals. With a glass roof, the greenhouse promotes natural light and offers a visual connection to the outside, bringing a sense of nature into the interior.

Transparency and Interaction

The design features large glass panels on the front and back facades, allowing for unobstructed views of the Hverfjall volcano. This openness creates a connection between the building's interior and the landscape, encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings. Furthermore, the modularity of the design supports future changes, allowing the space to adapt as community needs evolve.

Wide expanses of glass create an inviting atmosphere, encouraging users to enjoy the views while also bringing natural light deep into the interior.

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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
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