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Dome Structure Featuring Lava Stone and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Agriculture

Author:
Ivana Milosevic
Dome Structure Featuring Lava Stone and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Agriculture
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Combining a dome structure with lava stone and vertical gardens, the design serves as an educational hub for sustainable agriculture, fostering interaction and engagement with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Combines a dome shape with five distinct chambers for varied educational experiences.
02
Utilizes locally sourced lava stone to enhance environmental integration.
03
Incorporates vertical gardens and hydroponics to promote sustainable agriculture.
04
Features extensive glass elements for natural light and landscape views.
05
Emphasizes rainwater collection in its design for water conservation.

Hills of Mývatn is an architectural endeavor that integrates thoughtfully with the beautiful landscape of Iceland. Located within the region, it serves as an educational hub focused on agriculture and sustainable practices. The design concept revolves around a dome shape, symbolizing both an appreciation for agriculture and a reaction to environmental challenges.

Emphasizing Interaction and Education

The structure includes five distinct chambers, each designed to offer unique experiences for visitors. These spaces encourage engagement and learning about food production methods and environmental sustainability. Essential facilities, such as an open kitchen and vertical seed libraries, enhance the educational component, creating an environment conducive to exploration and interaction.

Material Choices Reflecting Context

Internally, wood and lava stone are used to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. In contrast, the exterior is clad in white steel, offering a cooler appearance. This combination of materials reflects the climate of Iceland, reinforcing the relationship between the building and its natural surroundings.

Connection to Nature

Glass elements throughout the design strengthen the connection between the interior and the outdoors. These windows allow abundant natural light to enter, while also framing views of the surrounding landscape. This transparency supports the commitment to sustainability, aligning with modern architectural practices.

The design also acknowledges climate change and its impact on the environment. It weaves together a narrative that emphasizes awareness and responsibility. Among its features are innovative glazing technologies that enhance energy efficiency while encouraging a connection with nature, inviting users to engage with the changing environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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