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Concrete Shelter Embracing Hverfjall's Landscape

Author:
Dylan Rosato
Concrete Shelter Embracing Hverfjall's Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with a minimal amount of concrete, the shelter on Hverfjall's ridge promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape while providing a contemplative space for visitors to reflect and reconnect with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from 50 bags of concrete for a low-impact footprint.
02
Encourages exploration with a plinth and landing accessible from multiple angles.
03
Features a small, articulated room within the spandrels for focused contemplation.
04
Integrates naturally into Hverfjall's ridge, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
05
Facilitates a dual experience of enclosure and expansive views from the top.

Sid is an installation located on Hverfjall's ridge in Iceland, designed to embody the ideas of Shelter, Inquiry, and (self) Discovery. The overall design takes advantage of the natural landscape while providing a functional space that encourages visitors to engage and explore.

SHELTER

The structure features a simple arrangement of staircases, covered seating, and a platform. Together, these elements create a basic yet playful shelter that protects visitors from the weather. The focus on practicality ensures the installation accommodates its users, while the straightforward design allows it to blend into the landscape, ensuring that attention remains on the beauty of the surroundings.

INQUIRY

As visitors approach Sid, it sparks curiosity and invites exploration. Up close, the simplicity of the design becomes evident, leading to interactions with the natural environment. Visitors are encouraged to climb the plinth or ascend to the landing, where they may find a small articulated room within the spandrels. This layered experience adds depth to their visit, allowing for physical engagement and moments for quiet contemplation.

MATERIALITY

The choice of materials is significant in Sid’s design. A minimal amount of concrete, specifically 50 bags, has been used, highlighting a commitment to reduce the structure’s footprint. By doing this, the surrounding landscape continues to dominate the view. The lightweight formwork also supports easier transport to the site, making a low-impact build that respects the environment.

The design creates a connection between movement, interaction, and departure, encouraging a deeper relationship with the site. As visitors navigate the structure, they move between enclosed spaces and panoramic views, enhancing their awareness of their presence in the vast Icelandic landscape, where the horizon opens up to contemplative moments and a sense of connection to nature.

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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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