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Views of Hverfjall Through Precast Concrete Terraces and Earth-Incorporated Play Areas

Authors:
Ralph Christensen, Thomas Christensen
Views of Hverfjall Through Precast Concrete Terraces and Earth-Incorporated Play Areas

Project in-detail

With a focus on integrating precast concrete terraces and play areas into the earthen landscape, the project offers visitors a direct connection to Hverfjall's breathtaking views while serving as a community hub for engagement and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Precast concrete terraces are designed to offer unobstructed views of Hverfjall.
02
The playground is integrated into the earthen wall, fostering community interaction.
03
Paths are aligned to enhance visitor connection with indigenous landscapes.
04
Parking is intentionally hidden from view to maintain a natural setting.
05
Exhibition space highlights local culture and encourages visitor engagement.

The setting near Lake Myvatn features unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. The design focuses on enhancing visitor experience by incorporating functional spaces that blend with the natural environment. With an emphasis on interaction and exploration, the project aims to create a connection between people and nature.

New Car Park
The New Car Park is located out of view from the terrace. This choice respects the surrounding beauty, allowing visitors to focus on the landscape rather than vehicles. It provides necessary access while maintaining an uninterrupted visual experience of the area, balancing practicality and aesthetics.

Dimmuborgir Path
The Dimmuborgir Path offers an accessible route through the local terrain, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape. It guides foot traffic effectively and connects various site elements. This pathway increases engagement with the area's geological features, making exploration more inviting and informative.

Lake Myvatn Terrace
The Lake Myvatn Terrace functions as a gathering space for visitors, encouraging social interaction. Positioned to maximize views of the surrounding scenery, the terrace creates an inviting atmosphere. It works in harmony with the Exhibition space, which showcases the cultural and natural significance of the location, enriching the overall visitor experience.

Playground and Community Spaces
A Playground is integrated into the earthen wall, prioritizing family engagement and community connection. This design choice fosters inclusive play and establishes a strong relationship with the landscape. The use of local materials, such as precast concrete and cast-in-place concrete, further solidifies the commitment to environmental responsibility.

The View Terrace provides panoramic views of notable landmarks, including Dimmuborgir and Hverfjall Crater. It invites visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the natural surroundings. The architectural details enhance the relationship between built forms and the unique geological context of the site.

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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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