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Corten Steel and Translucent Facades Shaping a Harmonious Promenade Experience

Authors:
Stephanie Contreras, Tak kin Szeto, Ngoc Ma, Philana Kim
Corten Steel and Translucent Facades Shaping a Harmonious Promenade Experience

Project in-detail

Using Corten steel and polycarbonate facades to create a seamless relationship with its rugged Icelandic landscape, the design facilitates a promenade that enhances visitor interaction while providing essential observation and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel pathways establish a visual dialogue with the rugged terrain.
02
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while preserving privacy.
03
The design incorporates a ramp that promotes an engaging spatial journey.
04
Observation tower provides elevated views, connecting visitors to the landscape.
05
Communal spaces support social interaction amidst the natural environment.
The project "Point, Line, Plane, Volume" exemplifies an architectural exploration of form and space. Located near the unique geological features of Grjótagjá caves in Iceland, the design integrates functional spaces with the surrounding natural environment. The concept revolves around essential architectural elements—point, line, plane, and volume—articulating a journey for users through spatial narratives. This project focuses on creating an immersive experience that encourages interaction and connectivity with both the built form and the landscape.

Design Intent and Functionality
The primary function of this architectural project is to serve as a promenade, guiding visitors through various spaces that blend public and private functions. Key areas include observation points, lounge spaces, and a café that anchor the user experience. The elongated wall that acts as a façade not only delineates spaces but also introduces a sense of enclosure while allowing for glimpses of the natural beauty that surrounds it. Visitors are invited to ascend through the building via an engaging ramp that enhances the spatial experience and promotes movement.

The observation tower is a significant feature, providing expansive views and reinforcing the relationship between the architectural design and its geographical context. By prioritizing movement, the project emphasizes a narrative that allows for exploration, encouraging users to engage with both the physical environment and the architectural elements throughout their journey.

Materiality and Constructive Approaches
The project employs three core materials: Corten steel, polycarbonate, and concrete. Corten steel, known for its durability and weathered appearance, is used in pathways and structural components, enhancing the visual connection with the rugged terrain. Polycarbonate panels provide a translucent façade that allows natural light to permeate interior spaces while maintaining privacy and energy efficiency. Concrete elements host structural integrity, creating a stark contrast with the warm hues of Corten steel and smooth surfaces of polycarbonate, resulting in a rich interplay of textures and temperatures.

What makes this project distinct is its harmonious integration with the landscape while showcasing a thoughtful approach to user experience. The design not only fulfills functional requirements but elevates the interaction between architecture and nature. The careful consideration of movement—how users traverse through different volumes and spaces—serves to deepen their relationship with the environment.

User Experience and Community Engagement
The integration of communal areas, such as lounges and a café, reflects a commitment to fostering social interaction. These zones encourage visitors to pause and engage, supporting community connectivity within the architectural framework. The design effectively blends solitude with social spaces, allowing for varying experiences depending on the users’ needs.

Through its innovative design strategies, "Point, Line, Plane, Volume" aligns architecture with environmental consciousness, promoting sustainable practices while meeting contemporary societal demands within the built environment. This steadfast focus on user experience, combined with a rigorous material investigation, provides a comprehensive response to geographical and social contexts.

For further insights into this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed exploration of architectural designs and ideas, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation to grasp the full depth of this architectural endeavor.
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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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