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Convex Form with Ramps Enhances Visitor Experience in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Az zahrawaani Al aryan, Alvina olivia Jeanette, Dimas ananda Setiawan
Convex Form with Ramps Enhances Visitor Experience in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

The use of a faulted convex form and interconnected ramps creates a unique visitor experience that blends with Iceland's rugged landscape while housing a cinema and gallery for cultural engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a faulted convex form that enhances wind resistance.
02
Ramps create fluid circulation and connect multiple levels seamlessly.
03
The cinema is acoustically isolated to filter external noise effectively.
04
LED mesh partitions in the gallery serve dual functions as dividers and displays.
05
The design maintains a low profile to preserve the surrounding landscape views.

"Between the Fault" is an architectural design located in Iceland's unique landscape. The project aims to blend with the natural surroundings while improving visitor experience. It features a form known as "faulted convex," which reflects the local geography. This design addresses the area's strong winds and creates a strong relationship between the structure and the terrain.

Site Integration

The design is marked by interconnected spaces linked by ramps. This layout resembles the uneven terrain found nearby, especially the floor of the Grjótagjá cave. The architecture promotes a principle of "undefined leveling," allowing for smooth transitions between the upper level, ground level, and a sunken level. By keeping a lower profile, the building respects the visual character of the area while reducing the impact of harsh weather.

Acoustic and Visual Performance

Acoustic performance is a focal point, particularly in the cinema area. The cinema's solid boundaries are designed to block outside noise, enhancing the viewing experience for guests. The layout offers clear sightlines. This maximizes the connection between viewers and the surrounding landscape. Attention to sound and sight helps the film-watching experience remain engaging and enjoyable.

Versatile Programming

The building supports layered uses, including a panoramic viewpoint, cinema, and gallery. The gallery space features LED mesh partitions that function as both dividers and display screens. This design choice allows for flexible exhibitions while preserving visual links to the Icelandic environment, especially during events like the aurora borealis.

The thoughtful integration of these functional elements with respect for the landscape creates spaces that encourage interaction with nature. The focus on detail helps facilitate a genuine connection between visitors and the surrounding wilderness, reflecting the core purpose of the design.

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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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