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Reflective Surfaces and Camouflaged Design in a Natural Landscape Setting

Authors:
Gyuhee Kim, Hyuckjin Shin
Reflective Surfaces and Camouflaged Design in a Natural Landscape Setting

Project in-detail

Mirrored surfaces reflect the surrounding Icelandic landscape while a camouflaged entrance invites exploration, seamlessly integrating visitor amenities such as a sauna, café, and public bath into the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored surfaces enhance the structure's invisibility against the Icelandic landscape.
02
The design includes a unique camouflaged entrance that promotes exploration.
03
A looping walking path connects key geological features within the site.
04
Functional areas incorporate a sauna, café, and public bath in one cohesive design.
05
The structure utilizes three distinct layers to facilitate user engagement and interaction.

The reflection tower in Iceland is designed to blend with the natural landscape while serving various functions. Set in a dramatic setting, it offers amenities such as a sauna, waiting area, information center, public toilet, café, and bath. The overall design focuses on connecting with the surroundings, allowing visitors to engage with nature rather than being overwhelmed by a large structure.

HARMONIOUS STRUCTURE

The tower features two main parts: the vertical element that contains the sauna and the landscape component that houses all necessary visitor facilities. This arrangement shows a thoughtful connection between the structure and the natural environment, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both comfort and access to the outdoors.

WALKING PATH INTEGRATION

A key element of the design is the walking path that weaves through the site, forming a loop between the parking area and visitor center. It connects to notable geological features such as Kvennagjá, Karlagjá, and Vogagjá cave. This layout encourages exploration, while viewing platforms along the path provide spaces for rest and contemplation, allowing individuals to appreciate the landscape.

MATERIAL LAYERS

The design consists of three distinct layers. The outer layer is made of mirrors, which reflect the landscape and create a visual link to the environment. Below is a layer of concrete that provides strength and stability for the various services offered. The innermost layer uses opaque glass, inviting curiosity from visitors and drawing them into the experience of the space.

Each feature of the reflection tower carefully reinforces the goal of merging with the natural world, creating a tranquil setting that fosters a deeper connection to the beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

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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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