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Charred Wooden Shingles Integrating Seamlessly with Iceland's Tectonic Landscape for Enhanced Visitor Experience

Author:
Konrad Brynda
Charred Wooden Shingles Integrating Seamlessly with Iceland's Tectonic Landscape for Enhanced Visitor Experience

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainable practices, the use of charred wooden shingles harmonizes with Iceland's geology to enhance pathways designed for immersive exploration and visitor engagement within the striking landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing weather resistance while blending with the rugged landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and sustainability, reducing environmental impact.
03
The design features a bent A-frame, providing unique spatial dynamics and optimizing natural light throughout the space.
04
Emergency evacuation routes are integrated into the pathways, ensuring visitor safety in the remote environment.
05
Strategic observation points reveal geological features, fostering an educational connection between visitors and the Icelandic landscape.
The architectural project situated in Iceland serves as a remarkable example of thoughtful design that harmonizes with its surrounding landscape while encouraging exploration and interaction with nature. This undertaking presents a carefully curated journey through one of the world’s most unique geologies, embodying principles of sustainability and community involvement. It offers a multifaceted approach to architecture, featuring spaces that promote both functionality and aesthetic cohesion with the environment.

At its core, this architectural project embodies a concept that emphasizes the relationship between human activity and the natural world. It represents a vision of how architecture can enhance outdoor experiences without imposing upon the natural setting. The design consists of pathways that meander through spectacular vistas, with each element placed thoughtfully to enhance the visitor's engagement with the surrounding landscapes, such as the famous rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

Functionally, the project is designed to support various activities for visitors, including hiking and educational exploration. The layout includes an approach area for parking and arrival, which is seamlessly integrated to prepare visitors for their encounter with nature. Central to the project is the Karlaðja, a visitor center that provides essential services like refreshments and rest areas, while also functioning as an observational point. This space is inviting, encouraging visitors to pause and appreciate the surroundings.

Significant architectural elements throughout the site include observation towers designed for panoramic views, which serve to elevate the experience of being amidst Iceland's extraordinary topography. These towers are not simply structural; they are also symbolic, representing the culmination of the path that leads visitors through a thoughtful architectural narrative. Bridges incorporate modern design aesthetics while maintaining functionality, allowing safe passage across rugged terrain without disturbing the geological formation beneath.

The pathway system is another critical design component, offering accessibility to diverse visitor groups while catering to those who wish to delve deeper into the landscape. Materials have been chosen with care, reflecting an understanding of the environmental context. Steel provides the strength necessary for structural elements, while glass offers transparency and facilitates natural light. Reinforced concrete serves as a robust base, and wood is utilized for walking surfaces, enriching the tactile experience of the pathways. Each material has been selected not only for its durability but also for its ability to blend seamlessly into the environment.

What sets this project apart is its unique design approach centered on sustainability. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, are integrated into the architecture, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship. This dedication extends beyond materials and energy use; the design process involved collaboration with local artisans and craftsmen, affirming a commitment to the community and local economies.

The architectural narrative established by the project plays a significant role in guiding visitors through the site. Each structural element introduces different landscape features, creating a cohesive story that evolves as one moves along the pathways. This thoughtful arrangement encourages discovery and reflection, inviting visitors to engage more deeply with the natural surroundings.

Through this implementation of architecture, the project showcases how thoughtful design can coexist with nature, enabling visitors to appreciate the beauty of Iceland's distinctive landscapes while promoting sustainable practices. The invitation to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project can provide valuable insights into its comprehensive approach and unique architectural ideas. For those interested in uncovering more about the intricacies of this endeavor, a deeper exploration of the project presentation will reveal the details and philosophies that define it.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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