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Basalt Pathways Through Volcanic Landscapes for Reflective Retreats

Authors:
Israel Leandro-flores®, Aarón josué Condemaita bonilla, Luis alfredo Velasquez carhuatocto
Basalt Pathways Through Volcanic Landscapes for Reflective Retreats

Project in-detail

Basalt pathways weave through a volcanic landscape, creating a reflective retreat that harmonizes with Iceland's natural beauty and cultural narrative.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt modules designed to blend with the landscape enhance visual integration.
02
Paths connect significant geographic points, encouraging exploration of the terrain.
03
Water features serve as central elements, promoting reflection and tranquility.
04
Inspired by Icelandic poetry, the design emphasizes themes of solitude and nature.
05
Historical references to turf houses shape the architectural identity and form.

The architectural design project "Beacon to the Sky" is set in the unique landscape of Iceland. It draws inspiration from Icelandic poetry, focusing on themes such as nature, solitude, and light. The overall design aims to create spaces that invite contemplation and connection with the environment, serving both as a retreat for reflection and a point of cultural significance.

Conceptual Framework
The design is based on the interpretation of Icelandic poetry, which highlights the beauty of the land and the qualities of light. This foundation influences the way built forms relate to their surroundings, encouraging a respectful dialogue between architecture and nature. The project aims to resonate with local cultural identity while also appealing to visitors with its universal themes.

Spatial Organization
A series of modules are arranged along pathways that link key geographical sites, including Voladalstorfa, Kjarnaskógur, Askja, and Skjólfjörur. This organization takes into account the natural features of these locations, allowing users to explore and engage with the landscape. The arrangement fosters clear sightlines and encourages a connection with the environment, showing how architecture can enhance the experience of the land.

Architectural Identity
The design references traditional Icelandic structures, such as Viking-era turf houses and the contemporary Hallgrímskirkja. This connection to history helps shape a specific architectural identity. The forms created reflect natural characteristics, such as basalt columns and organic lines. By relating closely to the landscape, the buildings become part of the environment, demonstrating how architecture and nature can coexist.

Water Features
Water plays an important role in the design, with waterfalls and ponds serving as central elements. These features add to the visual landscape and create a soothing auditory experience. The presence of water encourages visitors to engage with the site and offers moments for reflection. Thoughtful positioning of these features creates opportunities for viewing and experiencing the surrounding terrain.

The careful arrangement of spaces and water elements invites a deeper connection to the Icelandic landscape, enhancing both the visual and emotional experience. Light filters through strategically placed openings, allowing for interactions between the interior and the outside, further strengthening the bond with the natural world.

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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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