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Circular Shelter Embracing Volcanic Heritage Through Undulating Roof Forms

Authors:
Billy Webb, Michael On
Circular Shelter Embracing Volcanic Heritage Through Undulating Roof Forms
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Embodying a circular form that mimics local volcanic features, the museum reveals an undulating roof inspired by traditional Norse boats while serving as an educational hub focused on Iceland’s geological heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
The exhibition hall's circular design reflects the shape of volcanic craters in the region.
02
An undulating roof mimics the form of traditional Norse boats.
03
Low-profile offices enhance the integration with the surrounding landscape.
04
Permeable landscaping promotes local biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
05
The building serves as an educational center focused on Iceland's volcanic activity.

The Icelandic Volcano Museum is located near Lake Myvatn, an area known for its distinct volcanic landscape. It serves as a center for education about Iceland’s geological features. The design emphasizes a connection to the surrounding environment, combining contemporary architectural elements with the region's cultural history.

Architecture Concept

The concept of the museum focuses on blending with the landscape. Visitors arrive to see a small pseudocrater, creating a transition from the natural world to the built form. The circular shape of the exhibition hall is intentional, allowing it to endure the Icelandic climate while accommodating strong winds, which enhances its durability.

Spatial Organization

The exhibition hall acts as the main space for the museum, providing shelter and warmth. Its layout is designed to support visitor flow and enhance engagement. Low-profile offices adjacent to the hall offer stability and complement the main structure. The roof's undulating shape draws inspiration from Norse boat designs, linking the building to historical narratives of the region.

Environmental Integration

The museum incorporates the local geography in meaningful ways. Surrounding the building is permeable landscaping, showing a commitment to environmental sustainability. This design approach reflects traditional building practices and fosters a respectful relationship with the natural surroundings.

Cultural Resonance

The architecture aims to evoke a sense of Iceland's volcanic identity, creating a connection between the building and its historical context. The details in the construction reflect the local landscape, reinforcing the bond between nature and culture. The roof's flowing lines serve as a reminder of the area’s maritime history, grounding the design in a rich narrative that resonates with visitors.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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