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Sustainable Geodesic Retreat with Glass Facade and Reinforced Concrete Foundations

Authors:
Jan Jarosek, Jiri Trojan, Jakub Jarosek
Sustainable Geodesic Retreat with Glass Facade and Reinforced Concrete Foundations

Project in-detail

A spiraled shell structure composed of geodesic domes and expansive glass panels enhances the visitor experience in the remote Icelandic landscape, providing a unique accommodation for witnessing the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiraled shell design ensures minimal environmental impact and optimal wind resistance.
02
Extensive use of glass panels maximizes natural light and views of the auroras.
03
Renewable energy is harnessed through integrated wind turbines for self-sufficiency.
04
The lightweight geodesic domes provide structural strength in extreme weather conditions.
05
Interior spaces are designed to foster community engagement while maintaining privacy.

### Project Overview
Located in the remote landscape of Iceland, the design project aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the Northern Lights while ensuring integration within the natural surroundings. The architectural intent focuses on creating a unique living environment that respects and enhances the connection between guests and the landscape, combining modern amenities with the serene beauty of the locale.

### Spatial Strategy
The design features a spiraled shell-like form inspired by natural shells, which serves not only as an aesthetic element but also promotes a fluid interplay between individual rooms and the surrounding environment. The layout balances common areas designed for social interaction with private quarters, maintaining individual privacy while encouraging engagement with nature. This arrangement fosters a sense of exploration and curiosity, reflective of the natural dynamics of the Icelandic setting.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and resilience against Iceland's harsh climate. Key components include lightweight geodesic domes for the roof, reinforced concrete for structural integrity and thermal insulation, and extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and views of the auroras. Additionally, a steel framework provides essential stability, while wooden accents in the interiors introduce warmth, bridging modern design with traditional craftsmanship. The project integrates renewable energy solutions, including wind turbines, to minimize its environmental impact, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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