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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

Project in-detail

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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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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