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Reflective Skin and Lava Stone Form a Natural Performance Venue in Iceland

Authors:
Jon Fielding, Beduro Bae, Daniel Birdsall
Reflective Skin and Lava Stone Form a Natural Performance Venue in Iceland

Project in-detail

A harmonious blend of reflective skin and locally sourced lava stone creates a captivating performance venue that seamlessly integrates with Iceland's stunning natural landscape, offering a unique space for cultural expression and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The performance venue features a façade that modulates ambient light using light-reflective materials.
02
Geothermal heating is integrated into the design, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
The structure's curved form mimics the surrounding Icelandic landscape, fostering a sense of connection with nature.
04
Acoustic solutions are tailored for diverse artistic performances, ensuring optimal sound quality throughout the space.
05
Locally sourced lava stone is used as a primary structural element, grounding the project in its geographic context.
The "Raóljóst" architectural project stands as a significant exploration of how built environments can harmonize with the natural landscape of Iceland. The design embodies a thoughtful response to its geographical context, embracing the country’s distinctive features while serving a dual role as both a cultural hub and a space for personal reflection. This project represents not just the physical structure, but an experience that connects visitors with the unique light, scenery, and cultural heritage of Iceland.

At its core, "Raóljóst," which translates to "Enough Light to See By," offers a multifunctional space that accommodates a variety of activities, including performances, exhibitions, and social interactions. The architectural design revolves around a central chamber that functions as the main performance venue. This space is meticulously designed with acoustic considerations in mind to enhance sound quality, positioning it as a key feature of the project. In addition to the central performance area, the project also includes exhibition and gallery spaces, which facilitate artistic displays and create opportunities for engagement with diverse forms of creativity.

The design of "Raóljóst" is characterized by its innovative material selection and structural organization. Utilizing a combination of glazed glass, light reflective surfaces, insulated and reinforced concrete, acoustic fabric, and locally sourced lava stone, the project achieves a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance. The use of glass serves to integrate the building with its surroundings, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a fluid interaction between the inside and outside environments. This transparency is a deliberate choice to deepen the appreciation of the stunning Icelandic landscape, reinforcing the connection between the architecture and the natural world.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in how the form draws inspiration from the geographical context of Iceland. The building's spherical geometries mirror the natural curves found within the landscape, ensuring that it feels more like an extension of the land rather than a separate entity. The internal layout comprises various "satellite spaces" that encourage exploration and provide diverse experiences for visitors. Each area is tailored to offer distinct functionalities while maintaining cohesiveness with the overall architectural vision.

A key feature of "Raóljóst" is its engagement with light. The building is designed to transform light throughout the day, creating an evolving atmosphere. The exterior skin, made of light reflective materials, adjusts the intensity of light entering the building, altering its appearance as the sun moves across the sky. At night, the internal lighting becomes a focal point, drawing attention to the structure while inviting passersby to engage and explore. This thoughtful manipulation of light not only enhances the architectural experience but also reinforces the project’s fundamental principle of connecting people with their environment.

The project has also considered sustainable practices in its design. A geothermal heating system integrates seamlessly into the structure, utilizing the earth’s natural warmth to maintain an energy-efficient climate within the building. This not only reduces energy consumption but further aligns the architecture with the local context, showcasing an understanding of sustainable design principles that are increasingly relevant in contemporary architecture.

In summary, the "Raóljóst" architectural project combines thoughtful design with a deep respect for its Icelandic context. The use of carefully selected materials, innovative spatial organization, and an emphasis on light create a distinctive environment that enhances the cultural and natural dialogue within the landscape. For those interested in exploring the finer details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, an examination of the presentation materials is encouraged to gain deeper insights into the unique architectural ideas that shape "Raóljóst."
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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