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Charred Wood Cladding Over Concrete Forms Serving as a Volcanic Educational Museum

Authors:
Gülşah Kahraman, Pınar Yazdıç, Gülsüm Katmer, Yusuf Bera Bilici
Charred Wood Cladding Over Concrete Forms Serving as a Volcanic Educational Museum

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood cladding that mirrors the local volcanic landscape, the facility provides an interactive space dedicated to educating visitors about Iceland's geological phenomena.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, the design enhances fire resistance while blending with the volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and reduce carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and creates dynamic interior spaces.
04
Integrated green roofing supports local biodiversity and insulation.
05
Exhibition spaces are designed for flexibility, allowing for evolving educational displays on volcanic activity.
The Iceland Volcano Museum is an architectural project designed to educate visitors about the geological phenomena associated with Iceland's volcanic activity. This facility serves not only as an exhibition space, but also as a community resource, integrating local culture with the natural environment. The layout is carefully planned to blend with the surrounding topography, emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature.

The museum is strategically located to take advantage of its unique geographical context, situated in an area known for its volcanic landscape. The design promotes visitor engagement and interaction with the exhibits, which detail the history and science behind Iceland’s volcanoes. The building’s orientation and placement maximize views of both the natural surroundings and the internal gallery spaces.

Spatial Configuration and Layout
The museum’s layout is characterized by an elongated form that follows the contour of the land. This design approach minimizes disruption to the natural landscape while facilitating a clear flow of movement throughout the facility. Key spaces include:

- Exhibition Areas: Designed to showcase interactive displays that educate visitors about volcanic activity, the exhibition spaces are adaptable to accommodate various temporary exhibits.

- Café and Visitor Amenities: These components are integrated seamlessly into the structure, offering spaces for rest and reflection, while ensuring that the overall experience remains focused on the museum’s educational mission.

Materials and Construction Techniques
The construction employs a combination of concrete, glass, wood, and stone, each selected for its contextual relevance.

- Concrete provides structural integrity and allows for sculptural forms, while glass is utilized to create visual transparency that invites natural light into the building, enhancing visitor experience.

- Wood elements are incorporated in finishes, contributing warmth and a connection to Iceland’s traditional building techniques.

- Stone, reflecting volcanic geology, grounds the structure within its landscape while reinforcing the educational narrative surrounding Iceland’s geological features.

Innovative Design Approaches
The architectural design integrates various innovative approaches that distinguish the Iceland Volcano Museum. One key aspect is the use of green roofing that blends with the environment, promoting sustainability while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building.

The incorporation of pathways that meander through the site encourages exploration and discovery, allowing visitors to engage with both indoor and outdoor exhibits seamlessly. Observation points are strategically placed to capture views of significant geological features, ensuring that visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of Iceland alongside the curated collections within the museum.

The design prioritizes flexibility, allowing for the exhibition spaces to adapt over time as new scientific discoveries emerge or as community needs change. This adaptability ensures the relevance of the museum as an educational institution, positioning it as a vital resource for both locals and tourists.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. The perspectives offered in those documents provide greater context to the architectural decisions made throughout the design process, reflecting the intentions of the project in relation to its unique geographical setting and cultural significance.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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