Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cave-Like Spaces Framed by Ribbed Wood In a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Andrew Kim, Jesse Goguen, Hina Walajahi
Cave-Like Spaces Framed by Ribbed Wood In a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Framed by a cave-like structure and a ribbed wood facade, this museum integrates local culture and the volcanic landscape to create engaging exhibition spaces for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ribbed wood facade mimics volcanic terrain.
02
Cave structure frames natural light and views.
03
Outdoor gathering areas promote community interaction.
04
Local Icelandic artwork enhances cultural relevance.
05
Strategic design guides visitor movement through space.

The Icelandic Volcano Museum is located in the unique geological landscape of Iceland, serving as a space for exhibitions and community activities. Its design focuses on the relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings, creating a venue that encourages exploration of both art and nature.

Design Concept
The overall concept is expressed through a ribbed facade that follows the contours of the terrain. This connection to the landscape allows the museum to blend with its environment. Visitors are invited to reflect on the balance between human-made structures and nature.

Exterior and Community Integration
An important aspect of the museum is its connection to the local community. Outdoor gathering spaces surround the building, offering areas for cultural events and social interactions. The inclusion of local Icelandic artwork in the interior galleries highlights the region’s cultural story, making the museum a place where community identity can flourish.

Interior Experience
Inside, visitors encounter a cave-like structure that provides a vertical focal point. This feature frames views of the sky and incorporates water movement into the design. The layout guides visitors from upper galleries down to lower exhibition spaces, allowing them to experience different perspectives of the cave and the landscape outside.

Large windows at the ends of galleries provide expansive views of the volcanic terrain, encouraging visitors to connect with the environment beyond the museum walls. This design detail enhances the experience, making it clear that the museum is a part of its natural setting.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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