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Pillow Lava Structures with Cold Concrete and Colorful Facades

Authors:
Kamila Varela, Geraldine Vargas, Sabrina Reyes
Pillow Lava Structures with Cold Concrete and Colorful Facades

Project in-detail

Emerging from the Icelandic landscape, structures crafted with cold concrete showcase vibrant colors inspired by local geological features, creating pathways that guide visitors through a natural setting while serving as a communal hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Monolithic structures blend seamlessly with Iceland's volcanic terrain.
02
Colorful facades are inspired by local geological formations.
03
Pathways enhance visitor experience through varied spatial interactions.
04
Cold concrete provides durability against harsh environmental conditions.
05
Design incorporates natural light to connect interior and exterior spaces.

The project is set within the varied landscape of Iceland, an area known for its distinctive geological features and natural beauty. The design aims to encourage exploration and interaction with the environment by integrating pathways that create a rich spatial experience. Visitors move from enclosed rocky areas to bright, open spaces, fostering a connection between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Form

Monolithic structures rise from the ground, creating a relationship with the natural terrain. These forms display a range of colors such as pinks, reds, and blues, contrasting with the clear surfaces of glass used throughout the design. The shapes are simple yet effective, allowing the building to interact visually with Iceland's dramatic scenery. This encourages users to engage with both the architecture and the landscape.

Materiality

A cold concrete facade gives the structures a feeling of solidity within the rugged environment. This material addresses the challenges of Iceland's tough climate, while also echoing the textures of the nearby volcanic rock. The concrete is durable and provides a strong presence in the landscape. Alongside this, glass elements enhance visibility and allow light to pour into the spaces, creating a connection between the inside and outside.

Engagement with Nature

Design choices are inspired by Iceland’s geological formations, particularly pillow lava and rootless cone groups. These natural features influence the arrangement and form of the buildings, creating a thoughtful relationship with the environment. As visitors walk through the pathways, they discover viewpoints that reveal both the architecture and the breathtaking landscape, deepening their appreciation of the surrounding area.

Light filters through the carefully placed openings, brightening the interiors and highlighting various textures in the space. This interaction of light and shadow enhances the experience, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the qualities of the Icelandic landscape. Each moment spent inside allows for a greater understanding of both the architecture and its natural context.

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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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