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Windows That Mimic Glaciers Enhancing Visitor Experience in Iceland

Authors:
Celeste Serqueira, Victoria Rybner, Gustavo ezequiel Faverio
Windows That Mimic Glaciers Enhancing Visitor Experience in Iceland

Project in-detail

Windows designed to mimic glacier cracks invite visitors to engage with Iceland's natural beauty while exploring diverse exhibition spaces dedicated to the region's unique landscapes and phenomena.
5 key facts about this project
01
Windows designed to mimic natural glacier cracks enhance the visual connection to the landscape.
02
The layout encourages exploration with multiple exhibition spaces across several levels.
03
Incorporates a closed exhibition hall for immersive displays focused on Icelandic nature.
04
Recreational areas facilitate community interaction while providing scenic views.
05
Strategically placed openings optimize natural light and highlight environmental features.

The architectural design in Iceland is set against a backdrop of unique natural features, including volcanoes and glaciers. It emphasizes the connection between the built environment and the striking landscape, serving as a space for engagement and exploration. The concept focuses on enhancing visitor experiences, particularly related to the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Layout and Functionality

The design is arranged over multiple levels, encouraging movement and interaction. The Ground Floor includes an Exhibition Area and a Hall, aimed at providing immersive experiences that connect visitors with the Icelandic nature. A closed exhibition hall on this level allows for curated displays that highlight the area's natural beauty. Large windows are strategically placed, offering glimpses of the dramatic landscape outside and inviting the scenery into the space.

Visitor Experience

The First Floor continues this theme with another closed exhibition hall and a foyer. This thoughtful arrangement creates clear pathways for circulation, making it easy for visitors to navigate. The design fosters an inviting atmosphere where people can engage with the exhibits and each other, deepening their connection to the environment around them.

Connection to Nature

On the Second Floor, dedicated spaces for recreation and offices provide versatility in use. A Meeting Room and foyer on this level encourage conversations focused on environmental appreciation. This ongoing theme of adaptability persists into the Third Floor, which supports recreational functions and office spaces while maintaining the opportunity for beautiful views of the landscape.

Architectural Detailing

A notable detail within the design is the windows that mimic the natural cracks found in glaciers and volcanoes. This choice enhances the overall aesthetic and serves a practical purpose by allowing occupants to witness the Northern Lights firsthand. Through these openings, the structure creates a direct relationship with the environment, offering continuous reminders of the beauty of Iceland's 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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