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Green Roof and Glazed Path Harmonize with Icelandic Landscape in Museum Design

Authors:
Bart marion Andre baum, Juan Velasquez
Green Roof and Glazed Path Harmonize with Icelandic Landscape in Museum Design

Project in-detail

A green roof and circular forms integrate seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape, while a central observation deck enhances the visitor experience in this museum dedicated to the region's geological heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
A green roof enhances biodiversity and blends the building into its volcanic landscape.
02
Circular geometric shapes promote natural light throughout the museum.
03
A central observation deck provides panoramic views of the northern lights.
04
The layout allows for flexible exhibition spaces tailored to various displays.
05
Extensive use of glass creates an open, airy atmosphere for visitors.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is set within a striking landscape known for its geological features. The museum’s design focuses on bringing together the building and the natural environment, incorporating circular shapes and sloping forms that reflect the contours of the land. Functionally, it serves as a place for education and exhibition, allowing visitors to explore the geological wonders of Iceland, especially the Hverfjall volcano.

Design Concept
Natural light plays an important role in the museum. The sloping roof allows sunlight to enter the space, creating bright areas that enhance the visitor experience. The layout includes flexible spaces that can be adapted for different types of exhibits, making it easy to change displays and keep the experience fresh.

Connection to Surroundings
A green roof is a key feature of the design, making the building feel like part of the landscape. This not only improves the building's appearance but also helps regulate temperature and supports local wildlife. The small forest of trees around the museum contributes to a sense of connection with nature, blurring the lines between the building and its environment.

Visitor Experience
The East Entrance features a glazed path that simulates walking through a natural tunnel, echoing the geological characteristics found throughout the region. A central observation deck offers panoramic views of the northern lights and the surrounding landscape, highlighting the connection between the museum's interior and the outside world. This layout reinforces the purpose of the museum, focusing on Iceland’s unique cultural and geological aspects.

Interior Layout
The interior boasts a mixed-use design with three exhibition areas for both permanent and temporary displays. This allows for a range of shifting exhibitions while maintaining an organized environment. The abundant use of glass throughout enhances the sense of space and encourages visitors to explore. High ceilings in public areas provide comfort, allowing spaces such as the cafeteria to welcome a large number of visitors.

In the basement, a multipurpose workshop area is available for various functions and events, while private offices serve administrative needs. Large storage doors accommodate materials of different sizes, ensuring that the museum operates smoothly and efficiently. Each element is thoughtfully designed to reflect the museum’s purpose and its relationship with the Icelandic landscape.

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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
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