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Charred Wooden Shingles and Volcanic Stone Integration in a Cultural Hub

Authors:
Lionel Delforge, Grégory Amand
Charred Wooden Shingles and Volcanic Stone Integration in a Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and locally sourced volcanic stone, the museum functions as a cultural hub that seamlessly connects educational exhibits with the unique geological landscape of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while reflecting local building traditions.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce carbon footprint and allow for rapid assembly.
03
The bent A-frame design creates expansive interior spaces while blending with the landscape.
04
Large glazing elements provide unobstructed views of Hverfjall volcano.
05
The museum's tiered terrace supports outdoor activities and connects visitors with nature.

The Burned Museum project is a contemporary architectural initiative located near the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland. This design focuses on the interaction between the built environment and the surrounding geological landscape, creating a facility dedicated to the display and interpretation of volcanic history and ecologies. The museum serves as an educational and cultural hub, emphasizing local narratives while integrating modern design approaches into its structural and functional aspects.

Unique Materiality and Site Integration
The project employs a carefully curated material palette that harmonizes with the unique Icelandic environment. Utilization of local volcanic stones anchors the building physically and metaphorically in its landscape, reflecting the geological characteristics of the area. Additionally, timber is used for cladding and internal structures, promoting sustainability and reinforcing connections to traditional Icelandic architecture. The choice of lava stone enhances the building's connection to the natural environment, mirroring the features and textures of the volcanic terrain.

The architectural design incorporates large glazing elements that frame views of the Hverfjall volcano, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor exhibits and the external landscape. This thoughtful placement of windows and outdoor spaces encourages visitor engagement and interaction with nature. The inclusion of a canopy provides shelter while allowing for outdoor activities, appealing to both museum visitors and hikers in the region.

Functional Design and Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization of the Burned Museum is intentional and user-focused, comprising exhibition halls, administrative offices, and visitor amenities, including a cafeteria and restrooms. The exhibition spaces are designed to facilitate educational programming and community engagement, featuring flexible layouts that accommodate various displays related to volcanic history.

Visitor circulation is prioritized through clearly defined pathways, leading to an open terrace that serves as an observation area for stargazing and outdoor events. This integration of nature into the museum's operational framework is a unique design approach that fosters a sense of community while respecting the landscape's integrity.

For those interested in deeper insights into the Burned Museum project, exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of its innovative and contextual design approaches. The architectural ideas manifest in this project exemplify a thoughtful integration of function, materiality, and landscape, making it a noteworthy case study in contemporary architecture.

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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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