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Embodied Sustainability Through Engineered Timber and Natural Materials in a Visitor Center Design

Authors:
Jens Van raemdonck, Giel Heymans
Embodied Sustainability Through Engineered Timber and Natural Materials in a Visitor Center Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with engineered wood and integrated into the volcanic landscape, the visitor center seamlessly blends natural materials with sustainable design to enhance access to Iceland's geothermal features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a focus on geothermal energy, the building features a water recirculation system for sustainability.
02
The use of jute burlap for insulation enhances both performance and tactile quality in the design.
03
A spiral staircase offers a unique ascent while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Modular construction techniques allow for flexibility in design and adaptability to the site’s geological conditions.
05
The structure's footprint aligns with the natural fault line to minimize environmental impact and preserve the landscape.

The Grjótagjá Cave Tower is a thoughtfully designed architectural project located near Grjótagjá Lake in Iceland. It serves as a visitor center that offers access to a notable geothermal area within a unique geological landscape. The project aims to create an engaging user experience while integrating comfortably with the surrounding environment.

The architectural design emphasizes critical relationships between the built environment and natural surroundings. The structure’s modular form follows the geological contours of the land, promoting harmonious interaction and maintaining the visual rhythm of the landscape. This facility incorporates a variety of public and private spaces, allowing visitors to engage meaningfully with the site while enjoying views of the dramatic terrain.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the design. A range of materials has been selected for their functionality and aesthetic appeal. The use of engineered wood for the structural framework provides both strength and a natural appearance. Jute burlap is utilized for insulation and surface treatment, offering a textural quality that complements the natural environment. Corrugated metal sheets form the roof, ensuring durability against the harsh climate, while glass panels deliver ample natural light and unobstructed views of the exterior.

The layout of the Grjótagjá Cave Tower supports a variety of visitor functions, including a café, information area, and locker rooms. The provision of an observation tower serves not only as a lookout point but also adds a unique vertical element to the design. This staircase spirals upwards, providing an immersive ascent that culminates in panoramic views, thereby enhancing the visitor's experience of the landscape.

The project stands apart from many others in its meticulous integration with the site’s geology and ecology. Unlike typical visitor centers, the Grjótagjá Cave Tower embodies a deep respect for its surroundings. The design minimizes environmental impacts through thoughtful site selection and construction techniques, such as utilizing a flexible foundation that accommodates local geological conditions.

This project exemplifies contemporary architecture's potential to foster a connection with nature. The adaptability of the structure allows it to serve diverse functions while also emphasizing sustainability and respect for the environment. For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin this project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of the Grjótagjá Cave Tower.

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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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