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Elevated Lookout Melding Geometry with Natural Landscape

Author:
Mark Goncalves
Elevated Lookout Melding Geometry with Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

An elevated volume confronts the landscape with oblique geometries, creating strategic sightlines and inviting natural light in a visitor center that enhances the experience of Hverfjall's volcanic terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated lookout provides panoramic views of Hverfjall.
02
Oblique roof geometries enhance natural light entry.
03
Pathways are designed to align with the landscape.
04
Visitor center integrates seamlessly with the environment.
05
Spatial divisions create a unified visitor experience.

The design focuses on interpreting Hverfjall, a volcanic crater in Iceland. It serves as a visitor center, providing spaces that enhance interaction with the striking landscape. The design concept employs oblique roof geometries, which create a relationship between the building and its natural surroundings, reflecting the location’s geological features.

Spatial Organization

Spatial organization is defined through the use of angled geometries that influence both the look and the function of the interiors. Pathways are deliberately arranged to run diagonally, ensuring a natural continuation with the architecture. This layout improves accessibility and supports smooth movement through the building, allowing visitors to connect with the space and enjoy the views.

Visual Connection

A prominent feature of the design is a central volume that extends outward, acting as an elevated lookout point. It offers vistas of the hiking trail and the broad crater, establishing a strong bond between the structure and the landscape. This element invites exploration and provides unique perspectives, allowing visitors to appreciate the geological significance of Hverfjall.

Interior Experience

Key functions are integrated within the visitor center, which houses the reception area along with spaces for social interaction, including a coffee shop and cafe. These areas are designed with clear connections that encourage visitor engagement. The cafe’s design allows ample sunlight to enter, framing scenic views of the volcanic landscape. This feature connects the interior spaces to the outdoor environment, enhancing the overall experience of the site.



Dynamic Aesthetics

The use of oblique roof shapes contributes to the visual identity of the building. They reflect the natural forces at work in the area, capturing the essence of Hverfjall. The design prioritizes functional spaces that cater to visitors while also respecting the landscape. The roof interacts with the sky, creating a setting that highlights the grandeur of the volcanic features nearby.

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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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