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Sublimation in Grey and Brown with Corrugated Metal and Earth Berms

Authors:
Shoshanna Sidell, Jonah Pruitt
Sublimation in Grey and Brown with Corrugated Metal and Earth Berms

Project in-detail

Constructed with corrugated metal and earthy tones, the design integrates earth berms to blur the boundaries between inside and outside, culminating in a guest house that harmonizes with its Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sublimation concept guiding the design enhances emotional connections with the space.
02
Earth berms suggest flexible placements for guest quarters without fixed definitions.
03
Corrugated metal cladding provides durability while reflecting local aesthetic values.
04
Protective walkways create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
05
Interconnected spaces foster interaction and community among guests and family.

The design explores the concept of sublimation, where solid forms turn into fleeting experiences. Located in Iceland, the project comprises family quarters, guest facilities, and a stable. The design aims for fluidity and interaction, encouraging users to connect with both the structure and the surrounding nature.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The spaces are interconnected, promoting a comprehensive experience of the site. Walkways blur the lines between inside and outside, offering views of the landscape. This arrangement allows for easy movement, facilitating interactions among different areas and their functions.

Experience-Driven Design

The design highlights moments of transition throughout the site, encouraging users to wander from spaces like the main dining area to private rooms. Earth berms are carefully placed to indicate possible guest bedroom locations without confining them to specific designs. This flexible approach supports diverse uses, cultivating meaningful experiences for visitors.

Materiality and Contextual Sensitivity

Materials used in the design reflect a focus on durability and local context. Choices such as corrugated metal and Baltic birch plywood align with modern design while fulfilling practical requirements. Finished concrete and reclaimed timber enhance the structure's tactile quality, showing a respect for the environment and surroundings.

Natural Integration

One key aspect of the design is its ability to connect built spaces with the natural environment. The form interacts with the landscape, encouraging exploration and contemplation. This relationship is particularly evident in the design's focus on transitional areas, where individuals can pause, reflect, and engage in a well-designed spatial setting.

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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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