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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

Project in-detail

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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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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