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Connecting Nature and Mythology Through Volcanic Shapes

Authors:
Jae hyun Lee, Yul Song, Dongbin Choi
Connecting Nature and Mythology Through Volcanic Shapes

Project in-detail

Inspired by the Bifröst bridge and shaped by volcanic forms, the museum creates a thoughtful engagement with the surrounding landscape while serving as a center for education on Iceland's geological history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Nordic mythology, the design reflects the Bifröst bridge concept.
02
Volcanic shapes are incorporated to echo Iceland's geological features.
03
Gaps between structures enhance views of natural attractions, including the aurora.
04
The arrangement of functional spaces promotes intuitive movement throughout the museum.
05
Traditional elements are blended with contemporary design for cultural resonance.

The Volcano Museum in Mývatn, Iceland, integrates architecture and mythology within its design. It is located in an area known for its natural beauty and geological significance. The museum serves as an educational site, providing insights into volcanic activity and connecting visitors to Icelandic folklore through the theme of the Bifröst bridge. The design embodies simplicity and harmony, creating a structure that resonates with the landscape around it.

Conceptual Framework
The design focuses on engaging with the environment while reflecting the shapes found in Iceland's terrain. Inspiration is drawn from volcanic forms, which reinforces the museum's relationship with its geographical context. This minimizes visual disruption and creates a dialogue between the building and the site, conveying both geological and cultural narratives.

Functional Arrangement
The layout of the Volcano Museum includes several areas for different purposes. There are meeting rooms, coworking spaces, private offices, an information area, a café, and an exhibition hall. This design facilitates easy movement for both visitors and staff. Gaps between the structures enhance navigation and provide views of natural attractions, such as the aurora, enriching the museum experience.

Architectural Language
The design reflects traditional Icelandic architecture, mixing contemporary elements with regional motifs. While specific materials are not mentioned in the presentations, the aesthetic suggests a preference for features that resonate with the local environment. This effort highlights the relationship between people and nature, fostering an appreciation for the surrounding landscape.

The gaps between the structures serve as openings and paths, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment. This thoughtful design invites exploration of the site's natural beauty and aligns the museum's mission with an engaging, immersive experience.

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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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