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Rounded Spaces Amidst The Crater's Contours With Natural Light Filters

Authors:
Jehean Sim, Nayeon Kim, Changmin Park, Dongho Han, Nayeon Kim, Changmin Park, Dongho Han, Nayeon Kim, Changmin Park, Dongho Han, Nayeon Kim, Changmin Park, Dongho Han
Rounded Spaces Amidst The Crater's Contours With Natural Light Filters

Project in-detail

The observation deck, designed with rounded elements that mimic the contours of Hverfjall, offers visitors engaging views while effectively integrating natural light to enhance the experience of exploring Northern Iceland’s unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation deck’s design mirrors the natural contours of Hverfjall.
02
Rounded spaces enhance visitor comfort while maintaining visual harmony with the landscape.
03
Walking paths are aligned with the contour lines of the volcanic crater for an immersive experience.
04
Sun shading elements on curtain walls create dynamic light patterns within the interior.
05
Strategic placement of the deck offers unobstructed views of both Lake Mývatn and Dimmuborgir.

The project is positioned in Northern Iceland, specifically at the volcanic crater Hverfjall. It establishes a strong relationship between built structures and the surrounding natural environment, which includes prominent features like Lake Mývatn and the Dimmuborgir lava fields. The main focus is an observation deck designed to provide visitors with expansive views and an immersive experience of the unique landscape.

Observation Deck Design

At the heart of the design is the observation deck, which offers a wide vantage point facing the striking landscape. Its shape draws inspiration from the natural contours of Hverfjall, reflecting the area's geological characteristics. This design carefully incorporates organic shapes and fluid lines to blend comfortably with the existing topography.

Integration with Landscape

The main building has a vertical structure combined with rounded elements that align with the surrounding environment. It includes small, rounded spaces that enhance the observation deck's functionality without disturbing the land. This detail helps maintain visual unity and allows for clear sightlines toward the beautiful scenery.

Walking Pathways

A network of walking paths surrounds the main building, following the curvature of the volcanic crater. These paths improve access to key viewpoints while also inviting visitors to explore the landscape. The design focuses on both functionality and experience, encouraging a deeper connection with nature as people navigate through the area.

Light and Space Interaction

Sun shades on the curtain walls create an interaction between light and internal spaces. By filtering natural light, they introduce varying visual experiences within the building. This detail enhances the overall atmosphere, allowing for appreciation of how light plays throughout the day, while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape outside.

Incorporating these elements leads to a thoughtful connection between architecture and nature, where light, space, and the unique features of Hverfjall come together in a meaningful way.

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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
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