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Floating Colorful Boxes with Polycarbonate Panels in a Visitor Center Setting

Author:
Hiroko Hanamura
Floating Colorful Boxes with Polycarbonate Panels in a Visitor Center Setting

Project in-detail

Brightly colored, polycarbonate-clad boxes appear to float above the landscape, creating a visitor center that reflects the essence of the northern lights while providing essential amenities for exploring Iceland's natural beauty.
5 key facts about this project
01
Brightly colored boxes are designed to mimic the vibrant hues of the northern lights.
02
The structure utilizes a welded steel cube grid as its primary support framework.
03
Polycarbonate panels provide both insulation and light diffusion for interior spaces.
04
An observation deck offers 360-degree views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
05
Recycled plastic is used for insulation, enhancing the project's sustainability.

Veil Tower and Visitor Center is located in the beautiful landscape of Iceland. It draws inspiration from the northern lights, reflecting their changing qualities in its design. The building aims to connect visitors with its natural environment while standing out visually. The concept revolves around an ethereal presence, with a structure that appears to float lightly above the ground.

Structural Concept

The design consists of brightly colored boxes arranged within a welded steel cube framework. This arrangement gives the building a sense of lightness, contrasting solid forms with empty spaces. It invites interaction with the surrounding land while maintaining a distinct identity linked to the natural spectacle it represents. The elevated design creates a connection to the expansive sky above.

Functional Spaces

Inside, the visitor center includes a variety of spaces that enhance the experience for guests. Key areas are a reception and ticketing desk, a café that serves local meals, a waiting gallery with expansive views, and an observation deck offering wide-ranging perspectives of the area. The layout facilitates movement throughout the facility, encouraging visitors to explore and engage with the surrounding landscape.

Materiality and Insulation

The construction of the center relies on a welded steel cube grid that supports the colorful polycarbonate boxes. These boxes are colored on the outside and have opaque white interiors, creating a visually interesting contrast. The use of polycarbonate allows natural light to enter while providing insulation. The design uses layers of material around a wooden framework, filled with recycled plastic to withstand the cold Icelandic climate.

Aesthetic Details

At night, the boxes glow from within, creating the impression of floating lights against the dark sky. This lighting effect enhances the building's design and strengthens its connection to the elusive beauty of the northern lights. The result is a memorable visual experience that captures the essence of the Icelandic landscape after sunset.

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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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