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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Create a Contemporary Visitor Center in Iceland

Authors:
Benjamin Smithers, Kofong Hsia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Create a Contemporary Visitor Center in Iceland

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a thermal mass structure, the facility enhances visitor engagement with the dramatic geological landscape of Iceland while providing essential amenities for explorers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for sustainable building practices and reduced carbon footprint.
03
The design integrates thermal mass to optimize heating and cooling efficiency in Iceland's climate.
04
A bent A-frame shape allows for panoramic views while harmonizing with the surrounding terrain.
05
The facility includes accessible pathways that promote engagement with the nearby geological features.

Cave, Light, House is an architectural project strategically located near the Grjótagjá cave area in Iceland. This design aims to merge the built environment with the natural landscape by utilizing forms and materials that reflect the region's geological characteristics. The project serves multiple functions, including a visitor center with amenities, observation areas, and spaces for relaxation and social interaction. Its structure embodies a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment while prioritizing sustainability and user experience.

The project's conceptual framework revolves around the duality of light and cave. The bright orange tower stands as an identifiable element that enhances visibility, reminiscent of Iceland's historic lighthouses. This feature serves both a practical purpose, as a navigational point, and a symbolic one, indicating the intersection of human activity and natural landscape. The design incorporates various functional areas that promote visitor engagement with the unique geological formations of the site.

The spatial organization of Cave, Light, House is carefully planned to facilitate movement and interaction. Key components include a visitor center housing essential amenities, viewing platforms designed to provide expansive vistas of the surrounding terrain, and a café that creates opportunities for guests to gather and relax. Accessibility is a focus in the design, with pathways and bridges ensuring ease of movement across varied topographies.

One of the distinguished aspects of this project is its dedication to sustainability through materiality and energy efficiency. The building employs concrete for structural stability, steel framing to maintain a lightweight profile, and high-performance glazing to optimize natural light intake while minimizing heat loss. The use of sustainable timber in the interior promotes a natural ambiance and reconnects users with environmental elements.

Furthermore, the architectural design responds directly to the local climate and geological features. The inclusion of ground-source heat pumps for heating and cooling demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency, while LED lighting contributes to reduced power consumption. These considerations position Cave, Light, House as a model of environmentally conscious architecture.

In summary, Cave, Light, House stands out as an architectural project that integrates its design with the unique geographical context of Iceland. It successfully balances functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a significant addition to the region. For those interested in deeper insights, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s innovative approaches and underlying ideas.

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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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