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Tension-Driven Design Enhancing Visitor Experience Amid Natural Geology

Authors:
Arnon Van embden spanjaard, Casper liam Lie, Isaac Vaarzon morel, David Velu
Tension-Driven Design Enhancing Visitor Experience Amid Natural Geology

Project in-detail

Grounded in tensegrity structures that reflect the dynamic geological landscape, the design invites visitors to explore pathways that engage with the unique features of Iceland's terrain while providing essential shelter and interaction points.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tensegrity structures create a dynamic relationship between built form and geological features.
02
Pathways facilitate exploration and encourage interaction with the landscape.
03
The dark facade provides a visual contrast against the natural surroundings.
04
Strategically placed interventions enhance visitor experience and shelter.
05
Design elements reflect the tension created by Iceland's tectonic activity.

The design engages with its geographical context in Iceland, a region shaped by natural forces and unique geological formations. The building, with its dark appearance, contrasts with the nearby caves, creating a relationship that highlights the distinct characteristics of the landscape. The focus is on how the built environment interacts with natural topography, leading to a design that balances practical use with thoughtful aesthetics.

Tensegrity Structures

The design features tensegrity structures as a central element. This technique uses a combination of continuous tension and separate compression components, allowing the building to exist in a constant state of tension. Such a design responds effectively to the region's geological conditions while promoting structural efficiency. This method minimizes material usage and maximizes usable space, reflecting a careful consideration of both function and design intent.

Pathway System

A network of pathways is vital to the layout, placed to encourage visitors to explore the site actively. These pathways allow for easy navigation through diverse spaces, providing options for enjoying views of the landscape or areas for shelter. The arrangement fosters an understanding of the project and enhances the visitors’ experience by connecting them closely to the natural surroundings.

Interventions and Interaction

Throughout the site, smaller architectural elements are strategically positioned to highlight the surrounding environment or offer protection from the weather. These features guide people as they move around, underscoring the connection between the built spaces and the natural landscape. Each intervention is designed with care, showing how architecture can respect and complement its environment.

The overall composition creates a clear relationship with the landscape, as the dark structure mirrors the geological formations nearby. The design invites exploration and interaction, drawing attention to the details of the area and enriching the experiences of those who visit.

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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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