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Fluid Steel and Corten Structure Overlooking Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Michal Wituszynski, Dominik Zagajewski
Fluid Steel and Corten Structure Overlooking Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from steel and corten, the viewpoint offers a dynamic interface with the volcanic landscape of Hverfjall, providing visitors with an immersive experience as they ascend towards the crater.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using steel columns and corten panels for durability against harsh weather.
02
Features interactive net-like surfaces that respond to visitors' movements.
03
Incorporates natural light through strategically placed openings enhancing visitor experience.
04
Designed to imitate the fluidity of lava and mimic the volcanic landscape.
05
Located in a unique geological setting near Hverfjall crater and Mývatn lake.

The design situated near Hverfjall crater and Mývatn lake integrates closely with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Serving as a viewpoint, it enhances visitor experiences as they make their way to the volcano's crater. The architecture reflects the active qualities of lava, creating a connection between the space and its natural environment.

Conceptual Framework

The design explores how architecture interacts with geological features. The form mimics the fluid characteristics of lava, inviting visitors into an imaginative experience. It allows users to engage their senses, fostering a connection with the land and the atmospheric elements that define the region.

User Experience

Natural light plays a significant role in the interior, guiding visitors as they ascend. This illumination helps create a space that feels both open and inviting. The presence of specialized nets adds another layer to the experience, providing a sense of instability as people walk across them. These nets not only encourage exploration but also offer a comfortable area to relax, balancing the need for adventure with quiet reflection.

Materiality and Structure

The structure relies on a set of materials that are durable and appropriate for the environment. Steel columns and welded elements support the framework, allowing for the integration of nets in various areas of the design. The staircase is made of modular stair treads, while the handrail is constructed from corten sheets. The nets consist of a blend of hemp and recycled plastic fibers, which ensure flexibility and durability in different weather conditions.

This thoughtful combination of materials reinforces the design's fluidity. The architecture responds to movement, creating a dynamic space that draws visitors in. Above, light filters through the nets, resembling the movement of boiling lava, and providing an engaging experience that connects the built environment to the powerful natural landscape surrounding it.

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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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