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Reflective Glass Facade Framing Volcanic Landscapes With Dark Concrete Accents

Authors:
Monika Frydryszak, Daria Rutkowska
Reflective Glass Facade Framing Volcanic Landscapes With Dark Concrete Accents

Project in-detail

The high reflective glass facade mirrors the surrounding Icelandic landscape while dark concrete elements ground the structure, creating a visitor center that invites travelers to experience the breathtaking views of Hverfjall volcano.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a panoramic oval shape to maximize views of the Hverfjall volcano.
02
High reflective glass enhances the visual connection between the interior and surrounding landscape.
03
Dark concrete mixed with volcanic aggregate grounds the design in the local geology.
04
A water vapor fountain echoes Iceland's thermal landscape, enriching the visitor experience.
05
Utilizes luminophores in pathways to reference the colors of the aurora borealis at night.

The Hverfjall Frame is situated in Iceland, with the significant Hverfjall volcano as its backdrop. The structure is designed as a resting spot for travelers, blending functionality with a concept that enhances the surrounding environment. By acting as both a frame and a mirror for the views, the design encourages visitors to engage with the landscape on a deeper level.

Design Concept
The central idea behind this design is to create a strong connection between the building and the landscape. The oval shape allows for broad views of the volcano while keeping a subtle link to the horizon. This design choice promotes the role of the building in facilitating experiences, guiding visitors to look outward and appreciate the expansive scenery.

Site Planning
The project exhibits careful site planning, making use of the natural terrain to preserve clear sightlines of Hverfjall. Parking is located in the southwest area of the site, enabling visitors to approach the building from a lowered position. This arrangement keeps the panoramic views unobstructed and serves to enhance the overall experience of those arriving at the Frame.

Materiality
On the exterior, high reflective glass is used to mirror the landscape, establishing a visual relationship between the building and its environment. This glass facade is bordered by a line of dark concrete mixed with volcanic aggregate, reinforcing the connection to the region’s geology. The material choices highlight the theme of reflection—both in appearance and significance—between natural surroundings and architectural design.

Element Integration
Features such as a water vapor fountain evoke Iceland's thermal waters, enriching the experience for visitors and symbolizing the incorporation of natural phenomena within the architectural design. A utility roof with a green covering adds a layer of complexity, offering varied vantage points of the landscape. The use of luminophores adds to the nighttime atmosphere, referencing the colors found in the aurora borealis and contributing to the overall experience.

The oval design and smart material choices create a strong connection between the interior and the captivating views of Hverfjall, inviting visitors to take in the natural beauty through the frame of the building.

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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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