Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Stainless Steel Structures Engaging Volcanic Terrain Through Interactivity and Natural Textures

Author:
Heemyung Yang
Reflective Stainless Steel Structures Engaging Volcanic Terrain Through Interactivity and Natural Textures

Project in-detail

Reflective stainless steel pins rise amidst Iceland's volcanic landscape, inviting exploration and engagement while fostering a deep connection with the surrounding natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective stainless steel surfaces create dynamic interactions with natural light, changing the environment's appearance throughout the day.
02
The installation spans a 10m x 10m footprint, utilizing a staggered arrangement to mimic the natural undulations of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
03
Each pin structure varies in angle and height, encouraging visitors to adopt different perspectives as they navigate the installation.
04
Concrete bases provide stability for the stainless steel pins while contrasting with their delicate appearance, enhancing visual interest.
05
Natural earth materials, including volcanic ash and gravel, were used to integrate the installation seamlessly into its unique setting.
The architectural project "Pins and Needles" presents a thoughtfully designed interactive installation nestled in the picturesque volcanic landscape of Iceland. This project stands as a testament to the connection between human experience and the natural world, embodying the essence of exploration and engagement within its environment. Comprising 34 elongated structures resembling pins, the design invites visitors to navigate the site, facilitating an interaction that is both sensory and reflective.

The installation represents a profound exploration of connection—between individuals, the natural surroundings, and the built environment. Each pin serves as a catalyst for interaction, encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape in a way that transcends passive observation. It blurs the lines between art and architecture, allowing participants to experience the installation not merely as an object but as a space that reacts to and amplifies the environmental elements of wind, light, and temperature.

The primary function of "Pins and Needles" is to provide a platform for engagement and exploration. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the arrangement of pins, each tilted at a unique angle, thereby creating a sense of dynamism within a seemingly static environment. The layout of the pins is intentional, leading participants through varying spatial experiences that highlight the undulating topography of the site. The resulted interplay of shadows and reflections throughout the day encourages a continuous relationship between the structure and its setting.

Particular attention has been paid to the materiality of the project. The use of stainless steel for the pins is significant as it not only contributes to the overall aesthetic but also enhances the experiential qualities of the installation. The reflective nature of stainless steel allows the structures to interact visually with the landscape during different times of day, capturing the surrounding light and colors. Each pin is anchored by a concrete base, providing stability in the face of Iceland's unpredictable weather while offering a counterpoint to the delicate appearance of the steel. This combination of materials effectively merges durability with an ethereal quality, reinforcing the project's intention.

The unique design approaches evident in "Pins and Needles" play a critical role in its overall impact. By prioritizing sensory engagement, the project invites visitors to touch, reflect, and move through the installation, thereby fostering personal connections to both the architecture and the landscape. The thoughtful arrangement of the pins encourages varied perspectives as visitors weave their way through the installation. This dynamic approach to design challenges conventional architectural expectations, allowing for multiple interpretations and experiences of the space.

"Pins and Needles" exemplifies how architecture can serve as a vessel for interaction and reflection. It champions the significance of engagement with the environment, showcasing how thoughtfully considered design can enhance human experience. Each visit offers new insights, encouraging an ongoing dialogue between nature and architecture. To delve deeper into the intricacies of "Pins and Needles," including its architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are invited to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of this innovative installation.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy