Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Interlocking Volumes and Elevated Spaces in a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Zidan Zhao, Chao Wei
Interlocking Volumes and Elevated Spaces in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Elevated interlocking volumes create a dynamic interaction with Myvatn's volcanic landscape, providing an educational space that enhances visitor engagement with the region's geological heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking volumes create distinct spatial zones for exploration.
02
The central atrium opens to the sky, enhancing natural light throughout.
03
Trapezoidal spaces promote dynamic circulation and visual connections.
04
The design respects the geological features of the surrounding landscape.
05
Amphitheater-like educational space supports community engagement.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is situated in the scenic area of Myvatn, designed to highlight the region's unique geological features. It combines a multipurpose exhibition hall, temporary exhibit spaces, a reception atrium, and necessary logistic areas. The design aims to blend the building with its natural surroundings, creating a space that offers a rich and engaging experience for visitors.

Elevated Forms

Two interlocking volumes characterize the museum's structure, creating a unified yet varied space. The elevation of the exhibition area forms a distinctive entrance, inviting visitors into a setting where they can connect with the architecture on a personal level. As guests enter, they find themselves under the floating volume, which creates an engaging visual and tactile experience.

Spatial Connectivity

The layout encourages smooth movement from the entrance to the roof terrace. The exhibition hall's slight rotation generates trapezoidal spaces that link the office areas, enhancing the sense of exploration. This careful design allows visitors to discover different perspectives as they move through the building. The presence of voids along the paths offers visual connections and quiet moments for reflection.

Central Atrium

The central atrium is a spacious area topped with an open sky. It serves as a focal point within the museum, functioning as a gathering space for visitors. An amphitheater-style educational area located at the bottom accommodates larger groups, supporting the museum's goal of providing educational experiences while fostering community interaction.

Reflective Design Details

Attention to detail is evident in the building’s design, which respects the geological context of Myvatn. While the presentation text does not specify materials, the form suggests a thoughtful approach to texture and experience. The architecture encourages visitors to connect with the landscape, enhancing their understanding of the environment and its geological significance.

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