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Basalt Facade and Glass Elements Create a Multifunctional Community Hub in a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Norma Perez Castilla, Gonzalo Coronado Maceda
Basalt Facade and Glass Elements Create a Multifunctional Community Hub in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from local basalt and expansive glass, the multifunctional hub integrates seamlessly into the volcanic landscape, providing essential services and communal spaces for visitors and locals alike.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced basalt, reinforcing the connection to the landscape.
02
Extensive glass facades provide panoramic views while enhancing natural lighting.
03
The bent A-frame design integrates seamlessly with the rugged terrain.
04
Sustainable energy solutions, including solar panels, are seamlessly incorporated.
05
Community-focused layout encourages social interaction and engagement among users.

### Project Overview

Located in Northern Iceland near Lake Myvatn, Viti í Fjöllunum integrates the region's environmental and geological characteristics into a multifunctional hub designed for both locals and tourists. The intent is to create a central space that facilitates engagement with the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. This report examines key elements of the design, including conceptual inspiration, material choices, spatial organization, and sustainability.

### Conceptual Framework and Architectural Form

The design draws from Iceland's volcanic terrain, reflecting the dynamic interplay of ice formations and basaltic rock. The architectural form employs a tilted rectangular geometry that establishes a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, appearing as a natural extension of the environment. Angled columnar elements support the structure while creating visually striking spaces that extend the views toward the mountains and landscape features. This approach fosters an emotional connection to the site, enhancing the user experience through a dialogue between architecture and nature.

### Material Selection and Construction Practices

Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing the connection between the building and its setting. The use of basalt columns not only serves structural purposes but also emphasizes local geology. Volcanic stone on the exterior links the design visually to the site’s volcanic heritage, while extensive glass features invite natural light into the spaces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. Warm wood finishes in the interior create a comforting contrast with the darker exterior materials. Structural steel contributes to the building’s durability and supports the overall aesthetic, reflecting contemporary sustainable practices through the use of eco-friendly materials and construction techniques.

### Spatial Organization and User Accessibility

The layout consists of two interlinked volumes to accommodate diverse functions. The primary volume includes communal areas such as an information point, warming zones, and self-service facilities, promoting social interaction and community engagement. The secondary volume is dedicated to practical functions, including changing rooms and restrooms, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. A connecting observation deck enhances the relationship between the two volumes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The design’s thoughtful organization promotes straightforward navigation, allowing users to easily access amenities while enjoying multiple vantage points of the breathtaking environment.

### Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is embedded in the design through several innovative strategies. The incorporation of solar panels reduces the building's ecological footprint by harnessing renewable energy. High-performance insulation techniques enhance energy efficiency, vital for coping with Iceland's extreme weather conditions. Additionally, comprehensive water management systems are in place to address drainage concerns, reflecting a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. Through these measures, the project establishes a model for future constructions in similar contexts, balancing modern architectural principles with ecological responsibility.

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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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