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A Volcanic Retreat Lodge with Dynamic Spatial Flow

Author:
Serge Atallah
A Volcanic Retreat Lodge with Dynamic Spatial Flow
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Lava rocks and corten steel create a dialogue with the volcanic landscape in a circular lodge designed for visitor engagement and immersion in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lava rocks are integrated into the façade, reflecting local geology.
02
The circular plan encourages fluid movement and varied perspectives.
03
Corten steel adds durability while harmonizing with the natural landscape.
04
The design is inspired by a phylogenetic tree, symbolizing the connection with nature.
05
Double-skin façades enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

Lava Lodge is proposed in the captivating landscape of Dimmuborgir, Iceland, where it invites visitors to experience the surrounding nature. The Lodge emphasizes engagement with its environment that focuses on views and spatial progression. It serves as a place where the natural and built environments come together harmoniously, allowing people to connect with the volcanic features of the area.

Conceptual Framework

The design draws inspiration from the idea of a phylogenetic tree, symbolizing the relationship between humans and nature. This concept leads to the use of a circular plan that fosters a sense of unity and flow. The shape allows visitors to move through the space and discover various perspectives of the striking landscape. Each view becomes an invitation to appreciate the surrounding geology in a meaningful way.

Spatial Organization

At the heart of Lava Lodge is a central point that offers 360-degree views of the landscape. This design choice positions the building as a landmark within Dimmuborgir, emphasizing the visual connection with the local volcanoes. Instead of competing with the natural features, the Lodge complements them. The arrangement of spaces encourages exploration, inviting visitors to experience a journey through the different environments as they transition from inside to outside.

Material Considerations

Material choices play a supportive role in the overall design, focusing on local relevance. The façades are crafted from lava rocks, reflecting the volcanic heritage of the region and enhancing the connection to the landscape. Corten steel is also used, accentuating visual continuity amid the rugged terrain. These materials not only help define the structure's appearance but also align it closely with the natural context.

Ecological Integration

Lava Lodge incorporates sustainable practices, evident in elements like double-skin façades and a vegetative roof. These features serve to reduce energy consumption and minimize the building's impact on the environment. The design reflects a commitment to ecological principles, showing that it is possible for built structures to coexist with the natural world without disruption.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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