Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Framing Natural Vistas with Concrete and Striated Iron in a Cultural Hub

Authors:
Carola Castro, Valeria Lucero
Framing Natural Vistas with Concrete and Striated Iron in a Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Constructed with concrete and striated iron, the facility integrates panoramic views of Hverfjall and the Northern Lights, serving as a cultural and educational hub for exploring Iceland's volcanic heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
The exhibition hall occupies 16.16% of the total space, focusing on volcanic activity.
02
The museum incorporates perimeter circulation, ensuring easy navigation.
03
Concrete and striated iron are prominently used for structural strength.
04
It offers 360-degree views of Hverfjall and the Northern Lights.
05
Community spaces are integrated to encourage social interaction among visitors.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, designed to offer visitors a blend of cultural, educational, and recreational experiences. Its layout emphasizes a connection to the natural surroundings, particularly the views of Hverfjall volcano and the Northern Lights. The concept aims to immerse visitors in Iceland’s geological features while promoting interaction with the environment.

Spatial Organization

The museum's layout thoughtfully enhances visitor movement and engagement. Key components include an exhibition hall, reception area, private offices, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, a kitchen, and a café. The exhibition hall is a focal point, occupying approximately 16.16% of the total space and providing a setting for exhibits on volcanic activity and geological phenomena. The design thoughtfully incorporates public areas that encourage socializing and relaxation among guests.

Circulation and Accessibility

Effective circulation is an important aspect of the design, featuring perimeter pathways that allow easy navigation throughout the facility. This arrangement supports natural movement from the entrance to various exhibitions, reducing congestion and ensuring accessibility. Such careful planning improves the visitor experience, making it straightforward to explore the museum's offerings.

Material and Structural Integrity

The materials used in construction prioritize strength and durability. Concrete forms the majority of the foundational elements, providing stability against the region's challenging weather conditions. Striated iron components enhance the structural framework, helping to ensure longevity while maintaining an aesthetic appeal.

The design stands out by framing breathtaking views of Hverfjall and the expansive skies, particularly when the Northern Lights are visible. This connection to the surroundings enhances the cultural narrative of the museum, engaging visitors visually and deepening their experience within the space.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy