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Charred Timber and Driftwood Visitor Center Merging with Lava Landscape

Author:
Caitlin Young
Charred Timber and Driftwood Visitor Center Merging with Lava Landscape

Project in-detail

Blending charred timber and driftwood with the natural contours of the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, the visitor center invites engagement with the surrounding landscape while promoting sustainability and accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Blends seamlessly with Dimmuborgir's natural topography through stepped design.
02
Uses charred timber for durability against harsh weather conditions.
03
Incorporates a green roof to support local wildlife habitats.
04
Features driftwood to minimize environmental impact and enhance texture.
05
Design promotes accessibility with ramps throughout the visitor center.

Elongated Lines is situated within the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, designed as a visitor center that encourages interaction with the natural environment. The overall design concept focuses on blending with the topography, utilizing elongated shapes that unfold into the landscape. This approach creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, allowing them to appreciate the site's unique geological features.

Design Integration

The design reflects a thoughtful response to the natural contours of the land. The visitor center features a stepped profile that descends in harmony with the terrain, effectively merging the building with its surroundings. This gradual transition enhances accessibility, with ramps that facilitate movement throughout the space. Visitors can flow easily from the outdoor landscape into the interior, creating an inviting experience.

Spatial Connections

Openings and patios play a crucial role in the design, establishing strong visual and physical ties to the landscape. These carefully placed elements allow natural light to enter the building, while also framing views of the dramatic geological formations outside. By creating a blur between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design invites visitors to connect with the landscape, enhancing their overall experience.

Sustainable Material Choices

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design, highlighted by the materials selected for construction. Charred timber is chosen for its durability, offering resilience against the area's tough weather conditions. Driftwood is also used, reducing environmental impact while adding texture to the structure. The inclusion of a green roof promotes local wildlife and improves the ecological footprint of the building.

Cultural Engagement

The layout encourages cultural engagement, with designated spaces for educational purposes. Within the visitor center, a gallery showcases local legends, enriching the experience for visitors. This integration of cultural elements emphasizes the role of the center as a place of learning and interaction, deepening the connection between visitors and the area's historical significance.

The design culminates in a careful blend of form and function. The building appears to dissolve into the landscape, highlighting the relationship between architecture and nature. This thoughtful approach creates an environment where visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields.

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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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