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Mirrored Arches of Volcanic Concrete Framing Geological Exploration

Authors:
Jordan Soderberg mills, Christopher Bradley
Mirrored Arches of Volcanic Concrete Framing Geological Exploration

Project in-detail

The dual flared arches of GIANT'S GATE, constructed from volcanic concrete and featuring mirrored surfaces, engage visitors with the unique geological features of the Grjótagjá and Vogagjá caves while providing a multifunctional space for exploration and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual arches create a dynamic relationship between earth and sky.
02
Mirrored surfaces reflect the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual connection.
03
Constructed from local volcanic concrete, integrating with the geological context.
04
Paths and structures utilize lavacrete, linking architecture to natural topography.
05
Designed to capture sunlight at sunrise and sunset, altering color perceptions throughout the day.

GIANT'S GATE is located near the Grjótagjá and Vogagjá caves, a site where two tectonic plates drift apart. This setting informs the design, which serves as a gateway connecting visitors with the earth's core. It invites exploration of geological processes and highlights themes of emergence and transition. The architecture consists of two flared arches: one acts as a lookout tower, while the other serves as a cave entrance, creating a unique experience that reflects the natural landscape.

Geometric Configuration

The design's defining feature is the interplay between the two arches. This split creates a sense of movement and change, guiding visitors through the space. The orientation of the towers is carefully planned to make the most of natural light, enhancing the structure's connection to the changing time of day. Light filters through the arches, creating a variety of colors and shadows that shift with the seasons.

Materiality

Materials play a crucial role in GIANT'S GATE. Volcanic concrete forms the solid base of the structure, grounding it in the geological context of the site. Lavacrete is used for pathways, connecting the building to the natural environment. This choice reinforces the relationship between the architecture and its surroundings. The use of retro-reflective silica on surfaces adds another layer, enhancing visibility at night and creating a distinct atmosphere influenced by both artificial and natural light.

Functional Aspects

The design accommodates various uses, including a café, washroom, and classroom positioned within one leg of the tower. These facilities enrich the visitor experience, providing practical amenities while also serving as an educational space. Meanwhile, the other leg remains open for continuous access to the lookout, offering clear views of the surrounding landscape. This arrangement encourages visitors to appreciate the geological significance of the area.

The stepped surfaces of the arches interact with light, creating interesting reflections that resemble the textures found in the natural world. As sunlight and moonlight play across the structure, it transforms, offering a new perspective each time someone visits. The design establishes a direct connection to the landscape, capturing the essence of the geological forces at play.

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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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