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Galvanized Steel Grids with Color-Coded Systems for Environmental Education

Authors:
Aurélien Massart, Thomas Lourdeaux, Thibault Lerouge
Galvanized Steel Grids with Color-Coded Systems for Environmental Education

Project in-detail

Color-coded systems and galvanized steel grids enhance environmental understanding in a visitor center designed for education and engagement in Reykjahlíð.
5 key facts about this project
01
Color-coded systems illustrate the flow of electricity, air, and water throughout the building.
02
A grid-structured façade enhances vertical movement and user engagement.
03
Prefabricated elements streamline construction and reduce environmental impact.
04
Galvanized steel grating provides durable walking paths in the natural landscape.
05
Interior wood panels create a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the metal exterior.

The facility located near Reykjahlíð is designed to promote engagement with environmental education in a tranquil natural setting. The overall design concept emphasizes transparency and functionality, inviting visitors to interact with the building’s systems while learning about sustainable practices. A central grid-structured façade enhances vertical circulation, connecting users to the technical elements integrated throughout the space.

SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Every aspect of the building has a focus on sustainable resource management. Rainwater is collected and filtered for use, while geothermal energy supplies the facility's electrical needs. Inside, elements are color-coded to represent different resources: red for electricity, green for air, and blue for water. This approach helps visitors understand the vital connections between these systems and serves the educational purpose of the center by clarifying these critical interactions.

PREFABRICATED ELEMENTS

The construction process employs prefabricated repetitive elements, assembled on-site to ensure efficiency. This method not only decreases construction time and costs but also makes use of local materials, reducing transportation impacts. Metal components are prominently used, supporting the building's sustainability goals and reflecting the characteristics of the surrounding landscape.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR INTEGRATION

A clear distinction exists between the materials used inside and outside the building. The exterior features metal cladding, while warm wooden panels create a more inviting atmosphere within. This careful choice of materials contributes to both comfort and a sense of harmony with the natural environment.

As visitors move through the levels of the building, they encounter various functions, starting from reception areas to exhibition spaces and culminating at a viewing platform. Each ascent reveals new perspectives, allowing for greater interaction with the landscape. The building engages visitors with expansive views of the surrounding fissures, enhancing their connection to the natural world.

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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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