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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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