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Translucent Glass Walls and Volcanic Concrete at Iceland's Tectonic Divide

Authors:
Erwin Riefkohl, Alexandra Betancourt, Mia Riefkohl
Translucent Glass Walls and Volcanic Concrete at Iceland's Tectonic Divide

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic concrete and translucent glass walls, the design integrates into Iceland's tectonic landscape, offering pathways and a retreat space for visitors drawn to this unique geological setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with prefabricated volcanic ash concrete that reflects local geology.
02
Features a modular thermally broken glass system for energy efficiency and light filtration.
03
Integrates flexible pathways designed to mimic the flow of Iceland's braided glacial rivers.
04
Includes a dedicated cube structure for visitor amenities like a café and dressing rooms.
05
Utilizes fiber optic cables in interior walls for enhanced illumination and atmosphere.

Diverging Paths is located within the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, at the tectonic divide between the North American and Eurasian Plates. Situated between the entrances of Karlagjá, the design intends to connect strongly with the geological forces that have shaped this area. The project integrates pathways and structures aimed at promoting exploration while complementing the natural surroundings.

Pathway Modules
The pathways are made of wood planks, organized into three primary modules. Each pathway has hinged vertical planks that act as flexible barriers, enabling them to adjust according to arch angles. This design mirrors the natural changes seen in Iceland's braided glacial rivers, allowing the pathways to take on different forms while extending across the landscape. Some planks are stacked to create staircases that lead up to Vogagjá, enhancing the interactive experience for visitors.

Architectural Form
The tower features a brutalist style that reflects the rugged beauty of the Icelandic terrain. It acts as a representation of the land's low-pitched rhythm, with the pathways flowing around it. This relationship between the tower and pathways emphasizes both vertical and horizontal movements, capturing the lively essence of the surroundings. Visitors can engage with the architecture from multiple viewpoints, which builds a deeper connection to the landscape.

Materiality and Structural Design
The tower is built with prefabricated volcanic ash concrete that aligns with the geological history of the region. Inside, the walls combine prefabricated concrete and translucent modular concrete, enhanced by fiber optic cables embedded within the blocks. This combination creates an atmosphere that reflects the natural elements outside. The modular thermally broken glass wall system allows light to filter through, featuring a gradient hue inspired by the local hot springs. The color deepens at the base and lightens towards the top, providing a visually engaging experience.

Visitor Amenities
A cube-like structure extends from the tower, specifically designed for visitors of Kvennagjá. It includes a café, bath, and dressing rooms, adding comfort while encouraging interaction with the landscape. This additional space enhances the visitor experience and creates a stronger connection to the site.

As visitors ascend the tower, they experience a dynamic interplay of light and shadow created by the gradient glass walls. The shifting hues change with movement, fostering a unique feeling of engagement with the environment.

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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

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