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Molded Concrete Structure Captures Dynamic Light in Visitor Experience

Authors:
Beñat Arejula, Ion Vianez, Unai Arejula
Molded Concrete Structure Captures Dynamic Light in Visitor Experience

Project in-detail

Molded concrete forms create an engaging interplay of light while providing essential spaces for visitors exploring the nearby caves and grottos.
5 key facts about this project
01
Molded concrete construction enhances structural durability while promoting thermal efficiency.
02
Strategically oriented upper floors provide views of local landmarks for enhanced visitor engagement.
03
Dynamic light interaction transforms interior spaces throughout the day, creating varying atmospheres.
04
The design minimizes exposure to Northwest winds, ensuring comfort and energy conservation.
05
Integrated visitor facilities support exploration of nearby natural features, enhancing the overall experience.

The Ice Lantern is located in Vogar, designed as a significant landmark that integrates with the landscape. It serves as a starting point for visitors exploring nearby caves and grottos. The overall design concept focuses on creating a building that helps with orientation and guidance while responding to the unique climate of the region.

Architecture Concept
The design is shaped by a thorough understanding of the local climate, which features low temperatures and strong Northwest winds. To address these conditions, the building is formed as a single volume that reduces exposure to harsh weather. This strategy not only increases thermal comfort but also promotes efficient use of space.

Spatial Organization
Inside the Ice Lantern, key areas include an information point, a coffee shop, and an observatory. These spaces are arranged to encourage interaction and connection with both the interior environment and the natural landscape outside. The building’s placement between existing parking areas and pathways enhances accessibility for visitors. Upper floors are oriented to showcase views of local landmarks, creating a stronger connection to the surrounding area.

Material Selection
Steel, glass, and molded concrete are used throughout the design, balancing functionality and visual appeal. Glass allows plenty of natural light to enter the building, making the interior bright and inviting. Molded concrete, on the other hand, provides structural strength and adds a tactile quality to the façade. This combination of materials contributes to the building's distinctive presence in the landscape.

Light Interaction
The façade of the Ice Lantern responds to changing light throughout the day, creating different moods inside. Openings and reflective surfaces are carefully placed to allow natural light to flood the spaces, enhancing their atmosphere. This characteristic not only adds visual interest but also reinforces the building's role as a refuge and a point of exploration in the Vogar landscape.

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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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