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Turf-Covered Structures Merging Reinforced Concrete and Community Interaction in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Byongwook Oh, Hanui Yu
Turf-Covered Structures Merging Reinforced Concrete and Community Interaction in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with turf-covered roofs and reinforced concrete, the community hub harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape, serving as a focal point for local interaction and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with turf-covered roofs that integrate seamlessly into the landscape.
02
Incorporates reinforced concrete for durability against Iceland's harsh weather.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design maximizing interior space and aesthetics.
04
Includes a dedicated "green lounge" for community gardening and sustainability education.
05
Utilizes natural wood finishes to promote warmth and connect with traditional building methods.

### Overview
The project is a community hub situated in the rural landscape surrounding Lake Myvatn in Iceland. Designed to facilitate community interaction while respecting the natural environment, it encompasses a multifunctional space that includes a community center, greenhouses, resource storage, and management facilities. The architectural intention is to create a cohesive environment that integrates the built form with the local landscape.

### Site Layout and Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization consists of strategically placed buildings that form an interconnected community space. The layout adopts a staggered arrangement, reminiscent of traditional farm patterns, which supports both accessibility and views of the lake. This configuration emphasizes community-oriented interaction while preserving the identity of each individual structure, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to durability, warmth, and integration with local building traditions. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity suitable for the region's weather, while timber in roofing and interiors emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere. Turf is utilized to improve insulation and visually integrate the buildings into the landscape, honoring local construction methods. Extensive use of glass allows for natural light, enhancing the connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding scenery. Notably, the incorporation of greenhouse facilities offers residents a year-round planting area, fostering engagement and promoting sustainable practices. Automated thermal control systems further enhance energy efficiency, supporting optimal growing conditions with minimal energy consumption. Prefabricated modular elements were also employed, facilitating quicker on-site assembly and reducing environmental impact.

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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

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