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Lava Concrete Structure Embracing Natural Light in a Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Dorine Vos
Lava Concrete Structure Embracing Natural Light in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with lava concrete and designed to harness natural light, the building integrates into the Mývatn landscape while offering flexible spaces for dining, events, and yoga.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lava Concrete walls provide structural stability and effective thermal insulation.
02
A central greenhouse floods the interior with natural light while connecting different spaces.
03
The building’s layout responds to the site's topography, enhancing integration with the landscape.
04
Centrally located support functions streamline operations and improve user experience.
05
Views of Mývatn lake and Hverfjall volcano are strategically maximized throughout the design.

LAVA HOUSE is situated in the Mývatn region of Iceland, an area well-known for its unique geological features. It serves multiple functions, including dining, events, and yoga. The design draws inspiration from the relationship between flowing lava and the dark volcanic landscape. The overall concept emphasizes a connection between the structure and the natural surroundings, creating an inviting space for visitors.

Site Integration
The building adapts to the site's topography through a concrete slab foundation that contours to the land's height variations. This approach allows the structure to fit into the landscape while providing views of Mývatn lake and the Hverfjall volcano. The layout features terraces that are linked by ramps and stairs, which promote accessibility and ease of movement between different areas.

Central Greenhouse
A central greenhouse serves as a key element within LAVA HOUSE, connecting the various functional spaces. This design choice enhances daylight within the building and strengthens the bond between indoor and outdoor environments. By incorporating a greenhouse, the design allows nature to influence the space, helping to create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Functionality and Organization
The entrance is located in the northeast corner, allowing direct access to the greenhouse and ensuring convenience for users. Supportive functions such as storage, toilets, and kitchen facilities are situated centrally, streamlining operations. The restaurant is positioned in the southwest corner, offering views of Mývatn lake and the volcano. The multipurpose room, elevated within the design, overlooks the nature baths and provides visitors with a unique perspective of the landscape.

Material Selection
Local materials are an essential part of the building's sustainability and connection to its setting. The enclosed walls are made from Lava Concrete, a lightweight and self-supporting material that offers effective insulation. Reinforced concrete forms the main structure, while acoustic panels in the ceilings improve the indoor atmosphere, making it comfortable for various activities.

Large windows in the greenhouse invite natural light into the interior, changing the mood of the space throughout the day. This design choice helps to blur the lines between inside and outside, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

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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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