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Embracing Columnar Forms Amid Glacial Landscapes for a Nature-Focused Museum

Authors:
Hanlan Piao, Mingzhu Tang, Jinsong Wang, WOOKYOUNG CHO
Embracing Columnar Forms Amid Glacial Landscapes for a Nature-Focused Museum

Project in-detail

Set against the backdrop of Iceland's glacial landscapes, the museum weaves together columnar forms with natural light to create an immersive space dedicated to the region’s unique geological features and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Atrium design maximizes natural light while connecting interior spaces with the outdoor landscape.
02
Columnar forms reflect Iceland’s volcanic geography and enhance the building's visual character.
03
Strategic positioning in a remote area minimizes human impact and fosters a connection with nature.
04
Dedicated educational spaces are designed to promote environmental awareness and community engagement.
05
Separation of office and museum areas ensures efficient operation and distinct user experiences.

The museum is located in Iceland and designed to highlight the country's remarkable natural features. It serves as an educational space as well as a cultural center. The design focuses on incorporating elements such as volcanic formations, glaciers, and the northern lights into the overall concept, allowing the building to relate closely to its environment.

Integration with Nature
The location of the museum is deliberately remote, aiming to reduce human influence and promote a stronger connection with the landscape. This choice enhances the visitor experience, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature. Upon entering, visitors move into an atrium, a central area that draws in natural light and visually bridges the inside of the building with the outside world.

Functional Layout
The floor plan is organized to accommodate various spaces, including exhibition areas, an atrium, a reception area, a cafe, a multipurpose hall, a store, and offices. This arrangement supports diverse activities, promoting visitor interaction with the exhibits. Clear divisions between museum areas and office spaces help maintain order, allowing each section to function without interference. This thoughtful layout ensures smooth movement for both guests and staff.

Architectural Inspiration
Specific materials are not explicitly mentioned in the presentation text, yet the design draws inspiration from Iceland’s geological features. Elements such as columnar joints formed by volcanic activity and glaciers shaped by weather inform the building's structure. These natural references imbue the design with a sense of place, encouraging visitors to appreciate the delicate relationship between nature and architecture.

The atrium plays a key role in maintaining natural light throughout the building. It not only enhances visual appeal but also reinforces the connection between interior spaces and the changing outside environment. This thoughtful consideration invites visitors to experience the rhythms of nature while exploring the museum.

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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

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