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Burnt Wood Structure Embracing Geological Insights in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Raphaël Staeubli, Antoine Viney
Burnt Wood Structure Embracing Geological Insights in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Built from burnt wood, the structure harmonizes with the geological landscape of Kvennagjá, offering visitors a space for exploration and education about the region's unique geology.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates existing visitor paths, enhancing connectivity with the landscape.
02
A small museum dedicated to Grjótagjá enriches visitor education on local geology.
03
The structure primarily uses burnt wood for durability and weather resistance.
04
The larger roof creates versatile spaces for varied activities throughout the year.
05
Pathways adapt dynamically, transitioning into ramps and stairs for accessibility.

The project is located in the fragile landscape of Iceland, specifically near the Kvennagjá rift. It integrates a structure that serves multiple functions while maintaining a respectful relationship with the natural environment. The design concept focuses on enhancing visitor interaction with the landscape, allowing for various experiences that connect people to the unique geological features of the area.

Design Concept and Context

A hybrid approach is taken in the design, combining different programs within one unified structure. The building's footprint aligns with existing paths created by visitors, which helps to connect it to the landscape. This strategic placement near the fault line allows users to engage with the geological characteristics of the site, offering an opportunity to observe the dynamics of the landscape.

Visitor Experience

The design rethinks the typical observation tower by encouraging visitors to engage beyond static viewpoints. As people move upward through the structure, they encounter changing views that reflect the varying weather patterns of the region. A larger roof structure accommodates diverse activities, providing shelter while inviting users to explore both interior and exterior spaces.

Geological Engagement

An important feature is the inclusion of a small museum dedicated to Grjótagjá. This aspect enhances the experience for visitors by connecting them to the local geology. The building is placed in such a way that it preserves clear views of the surrounding landscape, enabling appreciation of the geological scars formed by the earth’s movements without obstruction from complex structures.

Materials and Details

The building predominantly uses wood, which is favorable for prefabrication and simplifies transportation to the remote site. Burnt wood is chosen for its durability and resistance to weather, further linking the design to its environment. Warm wood paneling in the interior creates a welcoming atmosphere. Carefully designed pathways lead visitors through the rugged terrain, adapting as necessary to provide access to surrounding caves and facilitate outdoor exploration.

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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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