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Black Stone and Natural Wool Structure Embracing Geological Narratives

Author:
Matteo Rossetti
Black Stone and Natural Wool Structure Embracing Geological Narratives

Project in-detail

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.

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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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