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Optical Prism and Modular Covers Transforming Community Spaces

Author:
Alessio Maurizi
Optical Prism and Modular Covers Transforming Community Spaces

Project in-detail

An optical prism within the lighthouse recreates the colors of the Northern Lights, while modular covers and load-bearing walls provide a structural framework for a community-oriented museum in the Myvatn region.
5 key facts about this project
01
The optical prism recreates the colors of the Northern Lights inside the lighthouse.
02
Modular covers allow for flexible design and efficient construction.
03
Load-bearing walls enhance structural integrity while integrating with the environment.
04
A central public square serves as a communal gathering space.
05
The museum layout caters to both locals and tourists, promoting engagement.

The Lighthouse Museum is located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, designed to serve both tourists and local residents. It focuses on creating a community environment that encourages social interaction while connecting with the surrounding natural landscape. The design aims to rejuvenate the area through a central citadel that both enriches the visitor experience and strengthens local identity.

Community Integration

The design strategy includes the formation of a citadel around a central public square, intended to become a hub of activity. This layout not only provides a space for gatherings but also responds to the limited services in the Myvatn area. Each aspect of the project is crafted to enhance movement and interaction among residents and visitors, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.

Spatial Organization

The site is organized into distinct zones that encompass residential, sports, retail, and competition spaces, all connected by a network of roads. This arrangement supports ease of navigation and promotes interaction among different functions, creating a lively community atmosphere. By integrating various uses into the layout, the design encourages well-being and enhances engagement within the local population.

Architectural Features

A notable aspect of the museum is the optical prism located inside the lighthouse, which recreates the colors of the Northern Lights. This feature enriches the visitor experience, positioning the lighthouse as a guiding structure while also representing the blend of architecture and natural elements. It adds depth to the project’s theme, inviting exploration and curiosity.

Construction Methodology

The construction of the workshop area uses pre-assembled wooden modular covers, making customization and assembly efficient. This approach allows for a lighter design and speeds up the building process. The use of load-bearing walls and pillars as the main support structures aligns with the overall design goals, ensuring stability while integrating with the surrounding environment.

The museum includes large glass façades that bring in natural light and frame views of Iceland's remarkable landscape, creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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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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