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Framing Nature Through Volcanic Masses and Water Spaces

Authors:
Ye Been Lee, Yeon Park, Jung Won Park
Framing Nature Through Volcanic Masses and Water Spaces
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Five distinct volcanic masses integrated with reflective water spaces create an immersive experience in Iceland's landscape, inviting visitors to engage with the geological processes that shape the environment while serving as an exhibition space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five distinct masses represent different stages of volcanic formation.
02
Reflective water spaces enhance visitor interaction with the landscape.
03
Design emphasizes the geological narrative of Iceland's terrain.
04
Organic shapes create a seamless connection between built and natural elements.
05
Framing design encourages contemplation of the environment beyond the boundaries.

The design is situated in the stunning landscape of Iceland, aiming to create a space that connects visitors with the surrounding nature. It focuses on the accessibility of the outdoors, contrasting the routine structures found in busy cities. The design invites exploration and highlights Iceland's geological features, particularly the formation of volcanoes. By integrating these elements into the natural environment, it encourages engagement and provides an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the landscape.

Design Concept

The main idea of the design revolves around five separate masses, each illustrating different stages in the formation of volcanoes. This layout allows for changes in elevation and incorporates water features, making use of the site’s natural topography. The forms act as key points in the experience, guiding movement and interaction. Visitors are encouraged to explore and engage with the features both physically and visually as they navigate through the space.

Spatial Interaction

The way the five masses are framed is another important aspect of the design. Each mass directs attention to specific natural features, encouraging visitors to consider what is contained within the boundaries of the structure and what lies beyond. This creates a relationship between the built elements and the expansive nature surrounding them. The arrangement fosters an immersive experience, prompting reflection on how humans relate to their environment and the geological forces at work in shaping it.

Surface and Water Elements

In addition to the solid forms, the design incorporates water spaces that complement the masses and add a sense of movement to the overall layout. These water features create a connection between the solid and fluid elements, encouraging interactions that enrich the experience. The presence of water not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also serves to emphasize its significance in the geological context of Iceland. The reflective surfaces allow for varying visual experiences, inviting visitors to engage with both the natural and the constructed.

The design creates a carefully considered experience that merges human activity with natural forces, allowing for meaningful interaction with the landscape. Each architectural mass stands as a reminder of natural processes, offering visitors multiple ways to engage and interpret their surroundings. The result is a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between nature and architecture in a unique geographical setting.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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