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Translucent ETFE Roof and Modular Spaces Create Sustainable Community Living in Iceland

Authors:
Christian Sleiman, Simone Kehdeh, Ranine Achkar
Translucent ETFE Roof and Modular Spaces Create Sustainable Community Living in Iceland

Project in-detail

A translucent ETFE roof envelops modular sleeping pods, offering a compact and sustainable communal living solution tailored to the unique climatic conditions of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent ETFE roof allows natural light penetration while managing temperature in varying climates.
02
Modular sleeping pods can be reconfigured to accommodate different group sizes and functions.
03
Construction utilizes corrosion-resistant materials to withstand Iceland's harsh weather conditions.
04
Incorporates local craftsmanship, integrating knitted elements as part of the interior design.
05
The design promotes natural ventilation, reducing energy reliance and enhancing indoor comfort.

## Project Overview

Microtopia is situated in Iceland, designed to integrate minimalistic living spaces within the country’s unique natural landscapes. The project aims to address the demand for adaptable communal living spaces that promote sustainability and harmony with the surrounding environment. By minimizing the architectural footprint, the design seeks to foster a balanced relationship between built structures and nature.

## Contextual Integration

The architecture of Microtopia responds specifically to Iceland’s geographical challenges through a compact layout that facilitates small communal living. Emphasizing a design philosophy that respects and connects with the landscape, the project aims to reduce environmental impact while enhancing quality of life. The flexible spatial configuration can accommodate varying occupancy levels, ensuring resource efficiency and comfort suitable for Iceland’s climate.

## Material Choices and Sustainability

The project employs a selection of enduring materials, including corrugated steel sheets for the exterior, known for their insulation qualities and durability, and ETFE for the roof, which allows for natural light while enhancing thermal performance. Concrete forms the foundation, providing stability, while local craftsmanship is showcased through knitted elements within the cabins.

In line with sustainable design practices, Microtopia incorporates renewable energy systems, utilizing solar and wind energy to minimize reliance on mechanical heating. Natural ventilation plays a crucial role in regulating the internal climate, contributing to the overall efficiency of the living spaces.

## Architectural Features

The design features a distinctive single-pitched roof that facilitates effective snow management and integrates living pods and communal areas. The interior is organized into functional zones, including spacious common areas for social interaction and private sleeping pods with adjustable modular panels, allowing for versatility based on occupancy needs.

In addition to optimizing internal comfort, the compact shape and innovative material use reduce heat loss, adapting to occupants' requirements throughout varying seasonal conditions. This thoughtful arrangement ensures a stable and sustainable living environment within the project’s framework.

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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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