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Grounded Concrete Form Embracing Views of Hverfjall

Authors:
Vince Kesuma, Celine Halim, Tam Nguyen
Grounded Concrete Form Embracing Views of Hverfjall

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a grounded concrete form that reflects the local landscape of Hverfjall while offering varied spatial experiences within a guesthouse setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a series of carvings inspired by the Hverfjall Volcano.
02
The guesthouse includes three distinct viewing conditions to enhance user experience.
03
The pitched roof references traditional Nordic Longhouses, linking modernity with heritage.
04
Concrete is used as a primary material to establish a sense of permanence in the landscape.
05
Light and shadow play a significant role in shaping the interior atmosphere throughout the day.

"Geometries of a Site" is located within the captivating landscape of Iceland and serves as a guesthouse. The design aims to blend with its environment, creating a strong bond between the building and the natural surroundings. It celebrates the area's geological features while providing a practical and comfortable space for visitors.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on merging the guesthouse with its setting, allowing the structure to respond to the landscape. By adapting to natural influences, the building tells a story about its location. The use of thoughtful details enhances the connection with nature, making the architecture more relatable to its context.

Viewing Conditions

The guesthouse is organized around three distinct viewing conditions: below ground, ground level, and above ground. Each level offers a different experience, inviting visitors to engage with the landscape in unique ways. This arrangement encourages a relationship between the occupants and the environment, allowing them to experience the beauty of nature from various perspectives.

Cultural References

The pitched roof design draws inspiration from the gable roofs of traditional Nordic Longhouses. This choice connects the guesthouse to local history and acknowledges past architectural practices. It serves as a reminder of the region's cultural roots while simultaneously reflecting modern sensibilities.

Materiality

Pure concrete plays a central role in the project’s expression. It provides structural support while forming a simple yet effective visual statement. This choice of material underscores a sense of permanence and aligns the building with the rugged Icelandic landscape.

Light fills the spaces, creating dynamic shadows that change throughout the day. This movement enhances the atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel more connected to the site and its natural surroundings.

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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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