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Reflective Surfaces and Local Materials Embrace Nature in a Community Museum

Author:
Sara Khair
Reflective Surfaces and Local Materials Embrace Nature in a Community Museum

Project in-detail

Mirrors reflect the northern lights while local grass, ground, and wood materials create a harmonious connection to the Icelandic landscape within a community museum that invites exploration of Myvatn's natural wonders.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored surfaces enhance the museum's connection to the sky and northern lights.
02
The design incorporates green roofs to promote sustainability and ecological integration.
03
Local materials, including grass and wood, reflect the regional landscape.
04
The layout features preserved walkways, promoting interaction with nature.
05
Exhibition halls merge with pathways, creating a fluid visitor experience.

The Myvatn Museum is located in Myvatn, Iceland, and engages deeply with its stunning natural surroundings. The design creates an inviting space for residents and tourists, promoting awareness of the area's unique geological features, including volcanic formations and hot springs. The main goal is to enhance the visitor experience while establishing a close connection to the remarkable landscape.

Concept and Design Intent
The concept centers on immersing visitors in the natural beauty of Myvatn. Existing walkways are preserved to maintain a connection through the landscape, making access easier from nearby neighborhoods. The design strategically includes an intersection where two paths meet, encouraging an interaction between the natural environment and the museum itself.

Functional Elements
Three main functions define the museum's purpose. First, it offers direct access to explore Myvatn's unique natural features. Second, the facility provides essential public services such as an information desk, meeting rooms, and restaurants, catering to both tourists and locals. Third, the exhibition halls at the intersection serve to blend natural experiences with human activities, enhancing visitor engagement with both nature and culture.

Material Reflection
Materials are chosen to reflect the surrounding environment. The proposed façade features elements like ground, grass, and wood, which resonate with the local ecology. Mirrors are integrated into the design to capture and reflect the sky, stars, and northern lights. This approach creates a sense of connection with the landscape, further blurring the lines between the building and its natural setting.

Sustainable Design Features
One notable aspect is the green rooftop, which adds an element of sustainability and offers visitors another way to access the exhibitions. This part of the design encourages engagement with the landscape from an elevated view, allowing for a deeper appreciation of Myvatn’s natural beauty.

The reflective surfaces integrated throughout the design adapt to the changing light and weather patterns, immersing visitors in the experience and inviting them to witness the beauty of the Icelandic 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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