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Luminous Alumina Vessel Capturing Icelandic Auroras

Authors:
Ann Cleary, Aislinn King
Luminous Alumina Vessel Capturing Icelandic Auroras
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A translucent vessel of alumina glass captures Iceland's auroras while integrating geothermal systems and soundscapes, creating an immersive museum experience that connects visitors to the island's unique natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent alumina glass layer enhances natural light while protecting against the elements.
02
Geothermal labyrinth below warm the air, preventing snow and ice buildup on glass surfaces.
03
Reverb chambers incorporated for an enriched auditory experience connected to the volcanic landscape.
04
Dynamic light patterns shift throughout the day, reflecting Iceland's varying natural light conditions.
05
Outer glass layer acts as a lens, capturing and reflecting the colors of the aurora borealis.

The museum is designed as a translucent vessel, located in the unique landscape of Iceland. The goal is to immerse visitors in the local environment and its cultural narratives. By drawing on the characteristics of Icelandic intensity, the design translates these elements into a spatial experience that connects with both heritage and the natural world.

Spatial Dynamics
-
The design emphasizes spatial dynamics with a carefully placed circulation void that allows natural light to move throughout the structure. This void helps sunlight reach the lower exhibition areas, enhancing the interaction with artwork and artifacts. As visitors move through the space, they experience a changing environment, with light and shadow shifting throughout the day, reflecting the variations in natural light found in the Icelandic landscape.

Materiality and Form
-
The architecture features a double-layered enclosure made from alumina mineral glass, a key component of the museum. This material choice ensures clarity and transparency, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding area while providing a cozy atmosphere indoors. The outer layer of glass acts as a lens, capturing the colors of the sky, especially during the auroras, and protecting the inside from harsh weather.

Environmental Integration
-
Incorporating a geothermal labyrinth beneath the museum serves to warm the air trapped within the glass layers. This system prevents snow and ice from building up, keeping the outer surface clear and visible even during winter. This design element demonstrates an awareness of the local climate, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and responsible design.

Auditory Experience
-
The design includes features like reverb chambers within the building that enhance the sound experience. These chambers amplify the natural sounds associated with Iceland’s volcanic activity, enriching the overall experience for visitors. As they explore the museum, guests are surrounded by not just sights but also the meaningful sounds that connect to Iceland's geography and culture.

Visitors can observe how the curved glass reflects the vibrant auroras, creating a dynamic visual experience that changes with the atmosphere, blending the museum into its stunning surroundings.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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