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Concrete Integration Within Iceland's Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Marco emanuele Biesuz, Humberto Menacho, Matias Dezi pfannl
Concrete Integration Within Iceland's Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from cast-in-place concrete, the museum harmonizes with Iceland's volcanic landscape to create multipurpose exhibition spaces that educate and engage visitors with the region's geological heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cast-in-place concrete to enhance durability against volcanic activity.
02
Features multipurpose rooms that can be combined for larger events, promoting community use.
03
Designed to align with the contours of the landscape, minimizing visual disruption.
04
Incorporates vertical circulation to improve accessibility across multiple levels.
05
Exhibition spaces emphasize the geological history of Iceland, offering educational experiences.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is designed to connect visitors with the unique environment of Iceland's volcanic landscape. The building focuses on integrating with its natural surroundings, serving as both a cultural space and an interactive exhibition venue. By reflecting the characteristics of the landscape, the museum invites visitors to experience the relationship between culture and nature.

Design Concept
The architectural design utilizes a volume formed by the arrangement of plates, which define both internal and external spaces. This setup allows visitors to engage with the museum in a way that reflects the dynamic qualities of the site. The internal layout encourages exploration, guiding individuals through a series of spaces that vary in experience and function.

Layout and Functionality
The museum is organized into distinct areas across two floors. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hall, a cafeteria, and several multipurpose rooms. Each room features its own entrance, enabling flexible usage for various events and activities. This arrangement strengthens the museum's role as a community space, catering to diverse visitor needs and experiences.

Vertical Circulation
Vertical circulation is thoughtfully incorporated to promote accessibility. The design ensures easy movement between levels, allowing people to traverse the building without barriers. The upper floors include additional facilities such as meeting rooms and co-working areas, which further enhance the museum's functionality and appeal.

Materiality
The materials chosen emphasize the connection to the landscape. Cast-in-place concrete is the primary material, providing structural strength and reflecting the textures of the surrounding area. Other materials used include welded wire reinforcing mesh and steel profile sheeting, both of which support the building's durability while maintaining visual harmony with its environment.

The design reflects a careful balance between architecture and its natural context. Features like large, open spaces combined with the material choices create a physical environment that celebrates Iceland's geological beauty while serving the community effectively.

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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

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