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Ritual Spaces Embracing Geothermal Warmth and Tectonic Landscapes

Authors:
Hai Huynh, Chi victoria Ting, Wina Wu
Ritual Spaces Embracing Geothermal Warmth and Tectonic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Emphasizing geothermal energy and the tectonic landscape, the design integrates a viewing tower, bath house, and café to create an immersive visitor experience at the Grjótagjá caves.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasizes geothermal energy for efficient heating throughout the year.
02
Integrates a viewing tower to enhance visual access to the unique geological landscape.
03
Features a bath house designed for cleansing rituals before accessing hot springs.
04
Utilizes a non-linear layout to encourage exploration and intimate interactions.
05
Reflects local cultural practices through spaces that connect visitors to nature.

The Promenade through the In-Between is located in Iceland, designed to create an experience that connects visitors to the natural world of the Grjótagjá caves, situated between tectonic plates. As a visitor accommodation center, it includes a viewing tower and gallery, a bath house, and a café. Each part serves a specific purpose and contributes to an overall sense of place. The design concept emphasizes the relationship between geological movements and human interaction, inviting visitors to engage deeply with the unique landscape.

Viewing Tower and Gallery

At the heart of the design, the viewing tower and gallery allow visitors to take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This feature encourages exploration, creating a vantage point where guests can appreciate the geological features of the area. Observing the terrain from above fosters a connection between visitors and nature, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the site.

Bath House

The bath house plays a crucial role in visitor preparation before entering the Kvennagjá hot spring. It is designed to support the cleansing rituals that are a part of Icelandic culture. The thoughtful layout guides guests smoothly from one experience to another, emphasizing the importance of these moments in the journey. This space not only serves a practical function but also enhances the overall visitor experience by providing a point of reflection before engaging with the natural hot spring.

Café

The café offers a space for relaxation and interaction at the end of the visit. Here, guests can unwind and share their experiences. The placement of the café encourages a smooth transition from exploration to reflection, creating a balanced flow within the accommodation center. It serves as a gathering spot, allowing people to connect with one another while enjoying the environment around them.

Geothermal Energy Utilization

A significant aspect of the Promenade through the In-Between is its use of geothermal energy, which is readily available in the region. The building utilizes this sustainable energy source for heating, creating a comfortable atmosphere for visitors throughout the year. This design detail highlights the commitment to environmental responsibility while enhancing the experience for those who come to explore the site.

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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

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