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Corten Steel Guardrails and High Iron Glazing Within a Sustainable Dining Space

Author:
James Martzahl
Corten Steel Guardrails and High Iron Glazing Within a Sustainable Dining Space

Project in-detail

Grounded by cantilevered corten steel guardrails and enhanced by high iron glazing, the design creates a sustainable dining space that harmonizes with its surrounding landscape and emphasizes views of the Hvefjall Volcano and Myvatn Nature baths.
5 key facts about this project
01
High iron glazing panels reflect the nearby Myvatn Nature baths.
02
Corten steel guardrails mimic the hues of volcanic material.
03
Concrete columns minimize disruption to the natural landscape.
04
The food prep area is recessed below the dining surface.
05
Orientation maximizes sunlight exposure for the greenhouse.

The design emerges from a rugged grey pasture, connecting function with its natural surroundings. It is oriented along the east/west axis, allowing for maximum sunlight exposure for the greenhouse at its core. This thoughtful placement provides clear views towards the south, bridging the architecture with the Hvefjall Volcano and the Myvatn Nature baths. The overall design concept reflects a commitment to blending indoor and outdoor experiences.

Design and Materials

High iron glazing panels define the south elevation, optimizing natural light while reflecting the nearby waters of the nature baths. This aspect reinforces the visual relationship between the structure and its landscape. Corten steel guardrails complement the design, echoing the reddish tones found in volcanic rock and tying the building to its environment.

Sustainability Focus

A focus on sustainability is apparent throughout the design. The use of four concrete columns with pile caps, combined with necessary retaining walls for parking, minimizes disruption to the existing landscape. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the natural environment while providing essential services to visitors.

Spatial Organization

Inside the Event Dining Hall, a key feature is the downward shift of the core, placing the food preparation area below the dining surface. This design choice allows guests to see the greenhouse above while also watching food being prepared. This setup enhances the dining experience by promoting a connection between the food and where it comes from.

Structural Composition

The building makes use of prefabricated components for stability and efficiency. The floor system consists of prefabricated steel trusses and hollow core concrete slabs, ensuring a strong foundation while allowing quick assembly. Steel columns support the roof and walls, designed to accommodate glazing and cladding. The exterior is wrapped in galvanized steel panels, creating an impression of a mass that appears to float along the hillside, emphasizing its connection to the landscape.

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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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