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Geothermal Immersion Within Scaled Hverfjall Crater Experience

Author:
Quentin Blaising
Geothermal Immersion Within Scaled Hverfjall Crater Experience

Project in-detail

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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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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