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Gabion Walls Embracing Natural Landscapes in a Sustainable Visitor Center

Author:
Salim Hilles
Gabion Walls Embracing Natural Landscapes in a Sustainable Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Gabion walls create a textured façade while integrating renewable energy solutions in a visitor center designed to enhance access to the Grjótagjá Cave.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabion walls enhance the building's integration with the local geology.
02
A zero mass solar roof collects atmospheric moisture and generates energy.
03
The design emphasizes controlled visitor flow through a transitional block.
04
Elevated café provides 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Sustainability features reduce environmental impact while promoting ecology.

Four Blox is located at the entrance to Grjótagjá Cave in Iceland. The facility serves as a visitor center, enhancing the experience for those exploring the nearby geological site. The design relies on simple geometric shapes that blend with the natural landscape. The volumes arranged throughout the building guide visitors while highlighting the area's beauty.

Architectural elements include specific volumes that support different activities. The BLOCK serves as a transitional area, directing visitors from the entrance to the visitor center. This approach enriches the visitor's anticipation before they enter the cave.

Vertical movement is facilitated through a VERTICAL VOLUME, utilizing stairs that elevate views of the surrounding landscape. The café is placed in a horizontal volume above, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic sights while they relax and refresh.

Sustainability features prominently in the design. A ZERO MASS SOLAR ROOF helps generate energy and collects moisture from the air. The structure is reinforced by an ANCHOR system, which maintains stability while allowing innovative spatial arrangements.

The inclusion of gabion walls is a significant detail in the project. These walls provide a practical construction option that requires little upkeep. They integrate well with the local stone environment, adding texture and depth. As light interacts with these walls, it creates interesting patterns and shadows inside the building, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

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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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