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Lava Stone Walls and Gabion Baskets Shaping an Interactive Education Hub

Author:
James Pitropov
Lava Stone Walls and Gabion Baskets Shaping an Interactive Education Hub

Project in-detail

Lava stone walls and recycled gabion baskets define a unique educational space that invites visitors to engage with the geological wonders of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lava stone walls integrate geological themes directly into the museum's structure.
02
Recycled gabion baskets provide sustainable display solutions that reflect local materials.
03
The green roof supports local flora and enhances ecological sustainability.
04
A labyrinthine layout guides visitors through a unique exploration experience.
05
Large glass walls connect indoor spaces with the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The Iceland Volcano Museum, known as Jötunn's Labyrinth, is located in a dramatic volcanic landscape in Iceland. It serves as a center for education and interaction, designed to engage visitors with the region's geological history. The layout follows a labyrinthine approach, allowing individuals to explore the museum while learning about the unique characteristics of Iceland's environment.

Structural Elements

Key structural components highlight the relationship between the building and the natural surroundings. Connection points for structural rock cages act as important features within the design, reflecting the strength of the local geology. A green roof plays a vital role in supporting sustainability, merging the museum with its environment and promoting the idea of coexistence between architecture and nature.

Material Usage

Fir timber frames and plank roofs are central materials that give the museum a connection to traditional Icelandic building methods. These materials offer both durability and a link to the area's cultural practices. Additionally, recycled gabion baskets filled with lava stone provide unique display spaces that emphasize the geological context of the museum while promoting environmental responsibility.

Functional Program Spaces

The museum’s layout includes various functional areas that enhance visitor experience. The information center serves as a starting point for guests, while the exhibition hall presents engaging displays focused on volcanic activity. The sunken lava garden offers an interactive space, encouraging visitors to experience and learn about the landscape up close, thus reinforcing the museum's educational goals.

Exterior Interactions

Large glass walls throughout the museum create opportunities for viewing the landscape outside, connecting visitors with the surrounding terrain. This design choice helps to blur the lines between the interior and exterior. Lava walls, constructed within gabion cages, highlight the relationship between the structure and the geological features of the area, emphasizing the museum's focus on geology and natural beauty.

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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

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
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