Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Black Stone and Natural Wool Structure Embracing Geological Narratives

Author:
Matteo Rossetti
Black Stone and Natural Wool Structure Embracing Geological Narratives
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with black stone and natural wool insulation, the museum integrates a circular form that captures panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape while serving as an educational facility focused on geological history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with locally sourced black stone, the museum reflects the geological history of Iceland.
02
Natural wool insulation enhances sustainability and aligns with local building traditions.
03
The circular design promotes visitor engagement and maximizes natural light.
04
Notches on the roof indicate prominent geological landmarks in the surrounding landscape.
05
A multipurpose room features a central void that allows natural light to penetrate the heart of the building.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is located in the Myvatn area of Iceland, a region defined by its unique volcanic landscape. The museum plays an educational role, allowing visitors to connect with the geological history of the area and its natural features. The design is centered around a circular form that reflects the ancient forces that shaped this land, creating a structure that fits well into its environment.

External Aesthetics
The museum features a solid curved wall made from black local stone, a choice that captures the essence of Iceland's rugged landscape. This durable exterior is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, seismic events, and possible lava flows typical of the region. The overall appearance evokes the image of a lighthouse standing firm against nature, symbolizing resilience in an unforgiving setting.

Interior Organization
Inside, the building is arranged around a circular corridor that encircles a central dome. This design encourages exploration and movement. Visitors enter a multipurpose room that benefits from natural light coming through a circular opening in the roof. This flooding of light adds a vibrant quality to the space and helps to connect the interior with the outside world.

Vertical Circulation
The first floor takes visitors to a wind-protected circular court, an area with ample natural light that serves as a central point. Visitors are invited to move up a gentle slope leading to the top of the museum. From this elevated position, panoramic views open up, showcasing significant geological features such as the Dimmuborgir rock formations and Hverfjall crater. The wide view narrows the gap between the visitor and the landscape, making the geological history vivid and engaging.

Materiality
The choice of materials is an important aspect of the overall design. Insulation made from Icelandic natural wool reflects regional building traditions and a focus on sustainability. Precast black concrete elements are used throughout, combining modern techniques with traditional building forms. Power floated concrete surfaces enhance durability and maintain visual consistency in the museum's interior.

The careful design includes notches on the roof that act as guides to major local sites. This feature offers a tactile map of the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to explore and understand the rich geological narrative of the area.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy