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Exploring Natural Vistas Through Printed Canvas and Wooden Steps

Authors:
Clara Della casa, Eugénie Perrin
Exploring Natural Vistas Through Printed Canvas and Wooden Steps

Project in-detail

Constructed with printed canvas inspired by local textile patterns and featuring wooden steps that guide visitors to stunning views, the structure serves as a contemplative space for hikers within the Hverfjall volcano landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to blend with the volcanic landscape through thoughtful design choices.
02
Features a printed canvas façade inspired by traditional Icelandic textile patterns.
03
Modular design allows for easy transport and on-site assembly in remote locations.
04
Wooden steps provide a direct connection to the hiking experience and views.
05
Promotes contemplation and engagement with the surrounding natural environment.

Leikhús is located in the dramatic landscape of the Hverfjall volcano. It serves as a space for hikers to pause and reflect. The design concept revolves around a wooden theater set that fits well within its natural surroundings. Visitors can take in striking views while finding a moment of peace amidst the vast terrain.

Architectural Integration

The structure emphasizes the connection between its form and the volcanic landscape. As visitors move up the steps alongside the wall, they gain a new perspective of the volcano crater. The careful positioning encourages users to engage more fully with their surroundings. This upward movement transforms simply looking at the landscape into a more meaningful experience of it.

Material Consideration

The exterior of Leikhús features a printed canvas that draws from traditional Icelandic textile patterns. This choice connects the structure to the local culture and visually ties it to the landscape's colors. By incorporating these patterns, the overall design appears more cohesive, allowing the building to blend with its environment rather than stand apart.

Practical Design

Leikhús focuses on practicality for both construction and user experience. The design allows for the entire structure to be transported in two boxes, making it straightforward to assemble on-site. The panels that form the theater set are designed for ease of installation, keeping the process simple. This approach reduces disruption to the natural area while making the structure accessible to visitors.

The architecture encourages visitors to take a moment and connect with the remarkable landscape. As they navigate the steps, they encounter views that highlight the relationship between human-made and natural forms, revealing the beauty of Hverfjall’s unique geological features.

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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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