A Polish design team from the Silesian University of Technology's Faculty of Architecture, consisting of: Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak and Oliwia Jagła won an honorable mention in the prestigious internationalarchitecture competition Tiny House 2024, organized by Volume Zero. Their design for a microdome inspired by the Icelandic landscape was recognized for its innovation, sustainability and poetic sensibility.
model
© Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, Oliwia Jagła
architecture of the future on a micro scale
Tiny House 2024 is one of the most interesting architectural competitions of recent years, which has attracted creators from all over the world. Organized by Volume Zero, the competition focused on creating innovative concepts for microdomes - structures not exceeding 300 square feet, capable of providing comfortable living for two people. The main goal was to promote a sustainable, adaptive and ecological lifestyle, taking into account the needs of modern nomads and users who value mobility and a relationship with nature.
The project by Polish female architects was recognized for its unique combination of aesthetics, innovation and deep respect for nature.
Design team: Aleksandra Chylak, Dorota Cichoń, Oliwia Jagła
© Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, Oliwia Jagła
from the glacier to the house - Icelandic inspiration
The project created by three Polish female architects is not just a concept - it's a manifesto. Inspired by the forms of Icelandic glaciers, the house has an aerodynamic, sculptural shape that fits harmoniously into the changing and challenging landscape of the island. Its fluid form not only reflects natural geological processes, but also provides high resistance to Icelandic winds - an unpredictable and dominant force in the local environment.
The project's greatest strength is its modularity. The house consists of several units that can be freely combined and separated. A magnetic assembly system, inspired by children's construction toys, was used here. This solution not only facilitates quick assembly, but also allows full personalization of the space - depending on the needs of the occupants/residents, lifestyle or stage of life.
cross section
© Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, Oliwia Jagła
On water and on land - flexibility as a standard
The concept of the house is not limited to land. The team designed the building to float on water, which opens up completely new location possibilities. From now on, the house can be both a solitary capsule on the lake and part of an aquatic community in the bay.
Thanks to its lightweight construction and smart assembly system, the house can be easily transported by trailer or car - making it ideal for those who value mobility or live a life of slow travel. It's a home for explorers, but also for those who seek refuge close to nature.
modular visualization of the glacier community
© Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, Oliwia Jagła
architecture as a building block of the community
The project goes a step further - it not only offers living space, but also promotes integration. Thanks to the possibility of connecting multiple units, it is possible to create small floating or above-ground settlements. Such communities can exist in places far from civilization, while not disturbing fragile ecosystems.
The team also ensured visual consistency - organic shapes, large panoramic windows and natural materials create a glacier-inspired aesthetic that remains grounded in the context of nature despite its modernity. All of this ensures that the user does not lose touch with his surroundings, on the contrary - he becomes immersed in them.
facades
© Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, Oliwia Jagła
less is more - sustainable minimalism
The project is not only about aesthetics, but also about ecology. The use of renewable energy sources, passive solutions and minimization of materials and energy consumption mean that the house leaves a minimal environmental footprint. It is a responsible proposal that fits perfectly with the challenges of modern architecture and climate change.
All of this adds up to a design that is not only impressive in form, but also sets the stage for future generations of architects - offering a model for how to combine aesthetics with functionality and social responsibility.
interior visualization
© Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, Oliwia Jagła
The award for the team from Poland in Tiny House 2024 is not only a success for the young creatives, but also proof that young Polish architecture offering bold, empathetic and innovative answers to the questions of what a home is today. And what it can be tomorrow.
