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Corten Steel and Wooden Pathway Enhancing Geological Exploration

Authors:
Lara Jean-louis, Chloé Anouilh
Corten Steel and Wooden Pathway Enhancing Geological Exploration

Project in-detail

Constructed from corten steel and wood, the pathway seamlessly guides visitors along a seismic fault line, providing access to the Karlagjá and Kvennagjá caves while emphasizing geological exploration and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed along a seismic fault line to enhance geological visibility.
02
Corten steel and wood materials integrate with the natural environment.
03
Provides sensory engagement through hot water access at Kvennagjá cave.
04
Pathway design allows for both vertical and horizontal exploration.
05
Informative façade educates visitors on ecosystem fragility and site rules.

The design is situated along a seismic fault line, connecting visitors with important geological features like the Karlagjá and Kvennagjá caves. It serves to guide pedestrian traffic through the site while prioritizing environmental preservation. The pathway arrangement creates a loop that accommodates changes in elevation, ultimately leading to a viewing platform that offers an elevated view of the landscape.

Visitor Experience

The journey begins with an informative wall that explains the area’s ecosystem and rules for engagement, enhancing visitors' understanding of the site’s delicate nature. As they walk along the pathway, they pass over the Karlagjá cave, gaining a view that helps them appreciate the geological formations without causing harm. This intentional design allows for a thoughtful interaction between guests and the natural environment.

Pathway and Viewing Platform

The pathway leads to a large ramp, allowing a smooth ascent to the viewing platform. This gradual climb helps visitors grasp the scale and depth of the fault line. The platform functions as a key feature, providing an open view of the surrounding landscape. With this perspective, visitors can reflect on the area’s geological characteristics and natural beauty.

Materials and Durability

Carefully selected materials contribute to the project's durability and visual connection with the landscape. Wooden decks serve as the main walking surfaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Corten steel guardrails are placed along the pathway to ensure safety while blending into the rugged terrain. The color and texture of the steel harmonize with the natural environment, reinforcing the relationship between the architecture and the landscape.

Accessibility Considerations

Accessibility is a primary concern in the design, illustrated by the long ramp that leads up to the viewing platform. This feature ensures that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can comfortably navigate the site. The gentle incline promotes an inclusive experience of the geological formations, allowing everyone to engage with the landscape.

The design culminates in a viewing platform that frames the fault line, inviting visitors to take in the geological formations from a new angle.

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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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