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Luminous Alumina Vessel Capturing Icelandic Auroras

Authors:
Ann Cleary, Aislinn King
Luminous Alumina Vessel Capturing Icelandic Auroras

Project in-detail

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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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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