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Charred Wooden Cladding and Thermal Mass in a Visitor Center for Volcanic Landscapes

Authors:
Thomas Berger, Felix Bodenmüller, Leonhard Von reinersdorff
Charred Wooden Cladding and Thermal Mass in a Visitor Center for Volcanic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden cladding and a thermal mass strategy, the visitor center offers an immersive educational experience while seamlessly integrating into Iceland's volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes visual impact on the natural landscape.
04
Integrates extensive glazing to maximize views of the surrounding volcanic formations.
05
Includes educational displays focused on local geology and ecology to engage visitors.

The Black Lava Visitor Center is an architectural project located in Mývatn, Iceland. It serves as an information hub for visitors exploring the unique geological and ecological features of the region. The design of the visitor center is a manifestation of the local environment, characterized by its integration with the surrounding volcanic landscape. The facility's structure is designed to provide essential services while creating a space for education and interaction.

The visitor center encompasses several functional areas, including a café, exhibition space, panorama room, and service core. Each of these components is strategically placed to enhance visitor experience and promote engagement with the natural beauty of Mývatn. The building's layout allows for optimal flow and accessibility, ensuring that visitors can navigate the space comfortably.

The architectural approach of the Black Lava Visitor Center emphasizes harmony with the landscape. The design employs a low-profile structure that minimizes visual disruption while inviting visitors to explore the surrounding environment. This integration is further enhanced by the use of natural materials such as laminated timber, concrete, glass, and weathered wooden cladding. These materials not only contribute to the sustainability of the building but also reflect the characteristics of the local landscape.

Sustainability is a key focus of the Black Lava Visitor Center. The choice of materials and design strategies promotes energy efficiency and reduces reliance on mechanical systems for climate control. The building's thermal performance is enhanced through the use of concrete's thermal mass and the strategic placement of windows that maximize natural light while minimizing heat loss. This approach aligns with the project's commitment to environmental stewardship and education.

The Black Lava Visitor Center stands out from other visitor centers due to its deep connection to the surrounding landscape and its function as an educational resource. Its design encourages visitors to appreciate the unique geological formations of the area, with spatial arrangements that frame views of Mývatn's natural beauty. The project reflects a contemporary take on traditional Icelandic architecture, ensuring a dialogue between past and present while grounding itself in local context.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the innovative ideas behind the Black Lava Visitor Center, further examination of the project presentation is encouraged. Understanding the architectural choices made can provide deeper insights into the thoughtful design that makes this project a valuable addition to Mývatn.

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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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