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Iridescent Metal Forms Amidst Organic Landscapes for Artistic Reflection

Authors:
Shashankh Chandrashekar, Abishek V c, Paromita Harsha
Iridescent Metal Forms Amidst Organic Landscapes for Artistic Reflection

Project in-detail

Iridescent metal structures rise from organic landscapes, reflecting the Northern Lights and creating immersive underground galleries within an art museum dedicated to human creativity and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Entrance portals are designed as monolithic structures that evoke ancient monuments.
02
The landscape features organic forms that enhance the connection with the surrounding environment.
03
Art galleries are situated underground for climate protection and year-round accessibility.
04
The use of iridescent metal reflects light and connects earthly elements with celestial phenomena.
05
The design draws inspiration from folklore, creating a narrative space for artistic reflection.

"Iride-Sense" is an architectural endeavor that integrates storytelling with the natural landscape, drawing inspiration from the folklore of the Northern Lights. Located in Iceland, the project serves as an art museum, inviting visitors to engage with both creativity and nature. The design concept fosters a unique relationship between the environment and the human experience, creating a narrative space that encourages exploration and contemplation.

Entrance Portals

The design features monolithic entrance portals that act as both functional structures and symbolic gateways. Their straightforward geometric shapes bring to mind ancient monuments, sparking curiosity among visitors. As light filters through these portals, it enhances the overall experience, creating a transition from the outside world into an immersive narrative landscape.

Landscape Integration

The landscape is designed with organic forms, intentionally avoiding sharp edges to ensure a smooth connection with the surrounding environment. This approach responds to the region's challenging climate, characterized by high winds and cold temperatures. By incorporating natural shapes, the design fosters a feeling of safety and shelter, allowing visitors to interact freely with the space while appreciating nature's beauty.

Underground Galleries

The art galleries are situated underground, a choice that reflects traditional Icelandic architecture and addresses climate-related concerns. By positioning the galleries below ground, the design protects the artworks from harsh weather and offers year-round accessibility. This thoughtful placement also provides a controlled environment for the artwork, allowing for optimal conditions when hosting exhibitions.

Material Application

While specific materials are not extensively detailed, the reference to a proposed iridescent metal suggests a deliberate choice to enhance the sensory experience. This material may reflect light in a way that echoes the dynamism of the Northern Lights, linking earthly elements to the celestial. This connection emphasizes the project's intent to create visual dialogues across the site.

The design intricately blends architectural elements with natural features, emphasizing the importance of the environment in framing human experience. Each aspect works together, creating a rich space for visitors to explore and reflect.

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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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