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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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