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Sculptural Pathways of Cross-Laminated Timber Within Volcanic Landscapes

Authors:
Marcelo Venzon, Julia Park, Ricardo Justi
Sculptural Pathways of Cross-Laminated Timber Within Volcanic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber to create sculptural pathways that seamlessly integrate with the volcanic landscape, the design enhances visitor engagement and education while facilitating exploration of Iceland's unique geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber for structural pathways.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetics.
03
Integrates viewing platforms that highlight tectonic fissures within the landscape.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to minimize environmental impact and blend into surroundings.
05
Promotes interactive learning through strategically placed educational exhibits along the route.

The Grjótagjá Route is an architectural project developed within the unique geological landscape of Iceland. This undertaking integrates architectural design with the natural environment, creating a pathway that allows visitors to explore and engage with the area's volcanic activity and tectonic features. As a result, this project emphasizes the relationship between human-made structures and nature, fostering a sense of connection and understanding of the geological processes that shape the land.

The project serves as a tourist route that enhances accessibility to significant geological sites while providing educational experiences. Visitors can traverse pathways that are carefully positioned to maintain the integrity of the landscape, ensuring minimal disruption to existing features. The design considers both functionality and aesthetic integration, creating spaces that are not only navigable but also encourage contemplation of the surrounding environment.

The architectural elements of the Grjótagjá Route include a series of pathways, viewing platforms, and benches constructed from local materials. Local stone is used to blend with the rocky terrain, while wooden structures offer warmth and comfort. Metal components provide structural stability necessary for durability against Iceland’s harsh weather conditions. The design prioritizes sustainability, employing materials that resonate with the natural setting and reinforce the project's ecological commitment.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the Grjótagjá Route. The integration of natural topography with deliberate human interventions distinguishes this project from conventional architectural endeavors. Rather than imposing on the landscape, the design seeks to harmonize with it, allowing visitors to feel both the power of nature and the subtlety of architectural restraint. Features like the "Pile of Stones" engage visitors, prompting a tactile interaction with the environment. This encourages a reflective journey rather than one solely focused on efficiency or transit.

The educational aspect of the Grjótagjá Route enhances the visitor experience. Informative displays along the pathway illustrate the processes at work in the geological landscape, promoting a greater understanding of the interdependency between nature and architecture. This dual focus on exploration and education is a defining characteristic of the project that allows it to stand apart from similar environments.

The Grjótagjá Route exemplifies a thoughtful interaction between architecture and landscape, designed to engage visitors in a meaningful way. Explore the project presentation for more details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that provide deeper insights into the project's innovative approaches and its context within the Icelandic landscape.

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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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