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Basalt and Iridescent Glass Views in a Sensory Visitor Center

Author:
Alyssa Bullock
Basalt and Iridescent Glass Views in a Sensory Visitor Center
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Utilizing basalt and iridescent glass, the design emphasizes sensory engagement while integrating into the tectonic landscape, serving as a visitors’ center with expansive views of natural landmarks.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes basalt rock to reflect the local geology.
02
Incorporates iridescent glass elements that change appearance with light.
03
Features a sound-proof room to enhance auditory experiences.
04
Offers multiple observation decks for panoramic views.
05
Designed to mimic natural cave formations for spatial dynamics.

The Edge sits on the tectonic divide between Europe and America, closely integrated with its unique landscape. It features three small caves that contain natural geothermal pools, allowing visitors to experience the area’s geological character. The design focuses on sensory engagement, inviting people to connect with both the space and the surrounding environment through various elements.

Sensory Engagement
The concept involves activating all five senses: taste, vision, hearing, smell, and touch. The café within the visitors' center offers local foods, creating a space for visitors to take a break during their outdoor adventures. The observation tower plays an important role, providing expansive views and an open top floor suitable for stargazing and observing natural phenomena like the northern lights. The decks are positioned to face important landmarks, such as Hverfjall volcano and Myvatn Lake.

Spatial Organization
The layout of the visitors' center mimics the formations found in caves. The design alternates between smaller, compressed spaces and larger, open areas. This organization creates a dynamic experience as visitors move through the building. Vertical wooden fins are strategically placed throughout the interior. They not only provide shade but also enhance the architectural character. The way the light filters through these fins adds depth to the visitor experience.

Materiality and Integration
The materials chosen for The Edge are closely tied to the natural surroundings. The façade combines metal panels and glazing, which maximize light while maintaining a strong visual connection with the landscape. Basalt rock is used within the cave areas, reflecting the site’s geological identity. Additionally, small flecks of iridescent glass add a touch of visual interest and change with the natural light.

Observation Tower
The observation tower is a key feature, highlighting the tectonic divide. It includes three lookout points: two protruding decks and an open-air platform at the top. This structure allows for various views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the visitor experience. The design emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and nature, making it a vital component of the overall concept.

The observation tower offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the night sky. It creates an inviting space where one can take in the stars and witness the northern lights illuminating the dark.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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