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Rammed Earth Walls Framing Views of Hverfjall in a Visitor Center

Author:
Andrew Fett
Rammed Earth Walls Framing Views of Hverfjall in a Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Framed by rammed earth walls, the visitor center offers panoramic views of Hverfjall while creating a seamless transition between the lush landscape and stark terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass and blend seamlessly into the landscape.
02
Curved design optimizes both panoramic and focused views.
03
View apertures are clad in pre-weathered zinc, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Entry court contains native vegetation, highlighting the transition from lush to arid terrain.
05
Strategic orientation aligns the building with sightlines toward Hverfjall.

The Node at Hverfjall serves as a visitor center, strategically located where a main pathway meets a hiking trail near the volcano Hverfjall. The design focuses on connecting visitors with the surrounding landscape, offering various vantage points that enhance the experience of the area’s natural scenery. Its layout encourages movement while inviting contemplation of the nearby geological features.

Design Concept

The building's shape takes inspiration from Hverfjall, which has a soft, rounded profile. This design contrasts with the more rugged and jagged terrain around it. By adopting a curved form, the building maximizes both panoramic views outward and concentrated focus inward. The arrangement of spaces fosters engagement, allowing visitors to move fluidly between the natural environment and the structure itself.

Spatial Transition

Situated in a zone that changes from lush vegetation to barren landscape, the Node captures this adaptability. The entry court is designed to include plant life, creating a gentle transition as visitors enter from the outdoors. This thoughtful organization guides movement seamlessly toward the hiking trail and enhances the sensory experience for those exploring the site.

Material Selection

Materials play an important role in making the building part of its surroundings. The main structure is built with rammed earth walls, selected for their ability to blend into the landscape and provide thermal benefits. Above these walls, view apertures are finished with pre-weathered zinc, framing scenic views and protecting the inside from the elements. Inside, warm wood surfaces add comfort and contrast, enriching the experience for visitors.

Sustainable Design Features

The design incorporates features aimed at promoting sustainability. Strategies for managing stormwater are integrated throughout the landscaping, while native plants minimize the need for maintenance and support the local ecosystem. The approach focuses on creating a space that connects visitors to nature, allowing them to appreciate the area’s beauty in a responsible manner.

The view apertures are designed to bring in natural light while aligning with sightlines toward Hverfjall, highlighting the relationship between the building and its environment.

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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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