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Rotating Concrete Levels Embracing Natural Views of Hverfjall

Authors:
Aleksandra Paszki, Julia Arcyz
Rotating Concrete Levels Embracing Natural Views of Hverfjall

Project in-detail

Three rotating concrete levels designed to optimize views of Hverfjall engage visitors through physical interaction while incorporating sustainable energy solutions for a community gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating floors enable users to control their viewing experience of the surrounding landscape.
02
The structure harnesses energy from a rooftop windmill for sustainable illumination.
03
Each level reflects a distinct elemental theme: warmth, tranquility, and lightness.
04
The design incorporates physical engagement to activate heating panels through user interaction.
05
A spiral staircase connects the three rotating levels, enhancing circulation and accessibility.

The Moonwalk architectural design is set in the unique landscape of Hverfjall, known for its volcanic features and sweeping views. The design features a modular structure that enables users to engage with their surroundings through a series of rotating floors. Inspired by the concept of a camera frame, it places the visitor in control of their perspective, encouraging a personal connection to the landscape.

Design Concept
The structure consists of both fixed and rotating components, fostering interaction between the building and its users. Each floor is designed to require different amounts of force to rotate, inviting physical engagement and movement. The first level requires the most effort to activate, allowing users to harness their energy to power heating panels. This highlights the relationship between user actions and the functionality of the building.

Elemental Themes
Three distinct levels of the structure reflect elemental themes of nature. The first level is associated with warmth and togetherness, creating a welcoming space for gathering. The second level promotes tranquility, providing a peaceful area for reflection. The top level expresses lightness and ease, deepening the visitors' connection with the sky and expansive surroundings. This arrangement crafts a layered experience, guiding visitors through diverse emotional states as they ascend.

Sustainability and Materials
The building utilizes energy from a windmill located on the roof for illumination, showcasing a focus on renewable energy sources. This feature aligns the design with modern standards of environmental responsibility. The materials mentioned, including concrete, glass, and metal, have been chosen for their functional and aesthetic qualities. They support the prefabricated design while ensuring durability, blending well with the natural context of Hverfjall.

Interconnectedness of Space
A spiral staircase connects the three rotating levels, allowing for easy navigation throughout the interior. This design element reinforces the relationship between the different floors, facilitating movement while offering varied perspectives. As occupants move through the space, they are encouraged to engage with both the architecture and the stunning views, resulting in an enriched architectural experience characterized by physical interaction and immersion in nature.

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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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