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Geothermal Immersion Within Scaled Hverfjall Crater Experience

Author:
Quentin Blaising
Geothermal Immersion Within Scaled Hverfjall Crater Experience
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With a geothermal power plant integrated beneath its structure, the design offers an immersive experience of Hverfjall crater while serving as a museum and educational center that highlights Iceland's unique geology and sustainability practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal power plant located beneath the museum generates heat and electricity.
02
Designed as an immersive experience within a scaled-down version of Hverfjall crater.
03
Linear pathways guide visitors, transforming hiking into a learning journey.
04
Incorporates hiking shelters that blend with the surrounding landscape.
05
Draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses for cultural connection.

House in the Crater is located in Iceland’s unique volcanic landscape. The design connects cultural heritage with sustainable practices, serving both as a museum and a center for interactive learning. It draws inspiration from traditional turf houses, establishing a strong bond with the geological context. The concept involves reshaping the ground to create spaces that provide immersive experiences for visitors.

Geothermal Integration
A key feature is the geothermal power plant, which sits beneath the museum. This facility supplies electricity and heat, illustrating the commitment to sustainability. The steam produced flows through the crater, creating an immersive atmosphere within a smaller replica of Hverfjall crater. This design encourages visitors to engage with the geothermal characteristics of the landscape.

Visitor Experience
The layout of the building includes a pathway that directs visitors towards the volcano, promoting interaction between the structure and its natural surroundings. This approach redefines a typical hiking experience, turning it into a learning journey. As people walk the path, they gain insight into Iceland’s geology and natural history.

Hiking Shelters
Alongside the museum, hiking shelters have been added to enhance the overall experience within the Icelandic terrain. These structures are meant to blend with the landscape, inviting exploration and outdoor activities. By complementing the main building, they contribute to a unified visitor experience that fosters both cultural understanding and appreciation for nature.

The alignment with traditional architectural practices suggests a potential use of earth-based and natural materials. This connection enhances the conversation between the built environment and the landscape. Design details allow natural light and geothermal features to enrich the visitor experience, creating an inviting atmosphere.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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