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Framed Views With Steel Elements Enhancing Volcanic Experience

Author:
Marcos Crane
Framed Views With Steel Elements Enhancing Volcanic Experience

Project in-detail

Built from steel and positioned below grade, the design creates curated viewing points along the rim of Hverfjall, enhancing the visitor experience of this volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes steel elements to create a minimal visual impact on the landscape.
02
Positioned below grade to respect the natural elevation of Hverfjall.
03
Incorporates six curated vignettes for focused viewing experiences.
04
Design enhances visitor engagement with the volcanic terrain.
05
Frames the expansive horizon to highlight landscape complexity.

Moment of Curation is located at Hverfjall, a significant volcanic site in the Mývatn region. The design enhances the experience of visitors by creating curated moments along the rim of the volcano. Its focus is on changing perception and providing visual relief from the expansive landscape. The concept seeks to foster appreciation for Hverfjall while guiding visitors through a meaningful interaction with the natural surroundings.

Design Concept

The design introduces several viewpoints that allow visitors to connect with the striking topography. A steep path leads along the rim of the crater, revealing continuous views of the large horizon. This careful organization of movement and sight encourages visitors to engage with the landscape in an intentional way. It transforms the journey around the volcano into an immersive experience.

Structural Elements

Six vignettes form the heart of the design, framing specific components of the view to showcase foreground, background, and sky. By breaking the vast panorama into smaller sections, the project encourages moments of contemplation. Visitors can recognize significant aspects of the landscape they might have otherwise missed. This control over visibility enhances their overall understanding of the site.

Integration with the Landscape

The form of the project reaches outward toward the horizon, promoting interaction with the landscape while offering well-defined viewpoints. Thin sheets of steel serve as a retaining element for the slope's mass. They acknowledge human presence within the design without competing with the volcanic character of Hverfjall. This careful attention to materials reinforces a commitment to respecting the natural environment.

Positioning and Experience

Positioning the project below grade helps reduce its visual impact on the natural elevation of the volcano. This deliberate choice allows the built elements to blend into the landscape, enhancing the experience of Hverfjall. Visitors find themselves engaged with the unique geographical attributes, such as the rugged volcanic formations and the expansive sky.

The thoughtful arrangement of views enriches the visitor experience and deepens their appreciation for the distinctive qualities of Hverfjall and its surroundings. The architecture provides a way for people to connect with the landscape in a meaningful and reflective manner.

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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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competition now

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