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Integration of Glass and Stone Within Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Marina Rukavishnikova, Ivan Belyaev, Andrey Petrenko
Integration of Glass and Stone Within Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

The museum's glass entrance and stone blocks emerge from the volcanic landscape, creating a harmonious relationship with the environment while serving as a space for exhibitions and visitor engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum's design incorporates volcanic stone blocks that reflect the local geology.
02
A glass entrance module enhances visibility and connects the interior to the landscape.
03
Parking areas are discreetly concealed using topographical landscaping techniques.
04
The orientation of the building directs views toward the adjacent volcano.
05
Interior exhibition spaces are designed to promote natural light and visitor interaction.

"Volcano Plato" is a museum designed to connect deeply with Iceland’s volcanic landscape. The project focuses on how the museum blends into its surroundings while highlighting the volcano as a key feature. With a clear intent to preserve the natural beauty of the area, the design invites visitors to engage with both the space and the geological history it represents.

Materials and Structure

The museum presents a minimal and sculptural appearance. It includes a glass entrance that connects three stone blocks, which mimic the region’s geological forms. This design choice makes the building look as if it has grown from the earth itself. The combination of glass and stone reinforces the relationship between the structure and the volcanic landscape around it.

Spatial Organization

Visitor engagement is an important element of the museum’s layout. The building is oriented to frame views of the volcano, drawing attention to this natural landmark. The internal arrangement is designed to guide visitors smoothly from the entrance into exhibition areas, creating an experience that encourages appreciation of the landscape.

Landscaping and Environmental Integration

To address parking needs while protecting the visual landscape, the project separates parking areas for cars and buses. By using landscaping and topography, these areas are concealed from sight. This approach ensures that the museum maintains its visual presence without interference from parking facilities.

The design emphasizes a thoughtful relationship with the environment, showcasing the volcanic landscape. The use of glass and stone forms not only reflects the geological context but also helps shape the museum's identity, offering a space that is both functional and respectful of its surroundings.

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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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