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Rugged Steel Forms Emerge From Volcanic Landscape For Elevated Viewing Experience

Authors:
Achilleas Tsortanidis, Dimitra Gkouna
Rugged Steel Forms Emerge From Volcanic Landscape For Elevated Viewing Experience

Project in-detail

Emerging from Iceland's volcanic landscape, the rugged steel forms create an immersive experience that captures the essence of volcanic activity while providing essential viewing points for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rugged steel forms symbolize volcanic activity.
02
Three distinct viewing points enhance visitor engagement.
03
Design integrates with the natural volcanic landscape.
04
Entrance features varying strip widths and shapes.
05
Ground materials ensure seamless blending with terrain.

Roé is located in Iceland, designed as a lookout point that connects visitors to the dramatic volcanic landscape. The concept draws inspiration from the unique characteristics of volcanoes, emphasizing the contrast between the flowing nature of lava and the roughness of the surrounding earth. The design invites a close interaction with the environment, enabling visitors to experience the geological features that define the region.

Architecture Concept

The design features two main forms that rise from the ground, mimicking the movement of lava during an eruption. These shapes symbolize the powerful forces that shape the land, creating a visual story of volcanic activity. The layout leads visitors through a deliberate path, enhancing their understanding of the landscape as they explore.

Materiality

Rusty steel is a key material in this project, chosen for its ability to reflect the harshness of the volcanic environment. This material creates a noticeable contrast with the smooth lines of the forms, emphasizing the theme of nature's power. The ground incorporates rough materials, which help the structure blend into its surroundings, maintaining a connection with the natural landscape.

Visitor Experience

The entrance is marked by long strips that vary in width and shape, creating an engaging transition from the outside world into the lookout area. This approach encourages movement along a well-defined path, guiding visitors to three viewing points located throughout the design. Each point offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, allowing individuals to connect more deeply with the geological context of Iceland.

Roé captures the essence of volcanic activity through its flowing forms and thoughtful design choices. The project reflects a clear understanding of the site and highlights the natural beauty inherent in the area, offering a space that encourages exploration and appreciation of Iceland’s unique geological features.

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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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