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Cavernous Space Offering Views of Hverfjall in a Subterranean Experience

Authors:
Fraser Carroll, Anna Fogh
Cavernous Space Offering Views of Hverfjall in a Subterranean Experience

Project in-detail

A cavernous entrance plunges visitors into a subterranean journey, offering expansive views of Hverfjall while connecting the landscape to a dedicated museum experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cavernous entrance simulates a cave experience.
02
Subterranean design integrates with the rugged landscape.
03
Northern Lights Viewing Room enhances views of Hverfjall.
04
Pathway design encourages exploration and orientation loss.
05
Café area provides a serene stop within the underground journey.

Lost in Landscape is situated in the unique and rugged terrain of Iceland. The design immerses visitors in nature through a carefully planned underground journey. It aims to connect people with the landscape by transitioning from urban to natural settings, enhancing the visitor experience.

Pathway Design

The project features a winding pathway that guides visitors from the city into the depths of the landscape. This descent incorporates various transitions, including stairs and ramps, along with overhangs, which enhance the journey's intrigue. As visitors make their way along the path, they lose their sense of direction. The route encourages exploration and encourages a deeper interaction with the environment.

Cavernous Spaces

A notable feature of the project is the cave-like entrance to the museum, which adds an element of surprise. This entrance leads visitors into the earth, creating a sense of wonder. The journey culminates in the Northern Lights Viewing Room. Here, large openings provide expansive views of Hverfjall, the nearby volcanic cone. Natural light floods the space and creates an inviting atmosphere, inviting visitors to take in the scenery.

Rest and Reflection Areas

In addition to the exhibition spaces, the design includes areas for rest and contemplation. A café located in the lower level offers a peaceful spot for visitors to gather and reflect on their experience. This space enhances the overall visitor journey and serves as a functional aspect of the design, allowing people to take a break before continuing their exploration.

Ascent and Exploration

The experience concludes with an ascent, inviting visitors to exit the underground spaces and explore once again. Observation platforms provide opportunities for engaging with the landscape, reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature. Trails extend from the building, encouraging visitors to explore the surroundings freely and fully experience the natural beauty that lies beyond. The overall design fosters a deep sense of immersion in the Icelandic landscape.

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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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