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Dynamic Light Installation Featuring Perforated Metal Panels Within Nordic Landscape

Author:
Gabriel Agatsiotis
Dynamic Light Installation Featuring Perforated Metal Panels Within Nordic Landscape

Project in-detail

Perforated metal panels form a dynamic light installation that echoes the ethereal qualities of the Northern Lights, creating an immersive experience for visitors while seamlessly integrating with the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated metal panels serve as both structural elements and light diffusers, creating a play of shadows and illumination.
02
The installation features a modular arrangement of LED light poles that dynamically respond to environmental conditions.
03
Strategically located in the Grotjus Cave area, the design reflects the unique geological rift of the landscape.
04
Integrated with natural grass, the site preserves the surrounding environment and enhances sustainability.
05
The project emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

The "Aurora Fields" project is an architectural installation located at the Grotjus Cave in Iceland. It aims to embody the visual essence of the Northern Lights through an interactive light and tower system. The project functions as both an experiential space and a landmark that invites visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape. By integrating natural phenomena with architectural design, it fosters a unique environment where architecture and nature coexist harmoniously.

Adaptive Light Interaction
The primary component of the installation is the central light tower, constructed from perforated metal panels that enhance the transmission of light. These panels create a layered façade, allowing for an interplay of shadow and illumination. Accompanying the tower is a field of LED light poles that are strategically arranged in a modular grid around the installation. This array is designed to dynamically respond to environmental conditions, simulating the color variations of the Northern Lights through a range of intensities. This adaptive lighting approach enables the project to provide a constantly changing experience for visitors, effectively bridging the gap between technology and nature.

Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the functionality and aesthetic of the project. Perforated metal panels ensure structural integrity while allowing light to permeate. Concrete is utilized for the foundation, contributing durability to the installation. Additionally, glass elements augment the interaction between light and space, providing transparency and enhancing viewer engagement. The use of natural grass surrounding the installation further ties the architectural elements to the natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability. These material choices reflect a commitment to creating a design that is not only visually compelling but also respects its environmental context.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies employed in the "Aurora Fields" project, a thorough examination of the architectural plans, sections, and designs is recommended. Exploring these elements will provide valuable insights into the unique architectural ideas that define this installation.

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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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