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Living Moss and Compacted Ash Integrate into a Volcanic Refuge

Authors:
Karen Harding, Jeb Beresford, Victoria Bartlett
Living Moss and Compacted Ash Integrate into a Volcanic Refuge

Project in-detail

Incorporating living moss and compacted ash, the design creates a refuge that seamlessly integrates with the volcanic landscape while serving as an educational public space focused on ecological restoration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building uses living moss to promote biodiversity in the volcanic landscape.
02
Compacted volcanic ash enhances structural stability while blending with the surroundings.
03
Triple glazing provides energy efficiency while allowing natural light to filter through.
04
Outdoor seating areas are designed to encourage interaction with the natural environment.
05
Indigenous vegetation is integrated into the structure, fostering ecological restoration.

The project focused on the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland aims to change a bleak and barren landscape into a lively ecosystem through the idea of rewilding. Situated in an area known for its distinct geological features, the design serves as both a public space and an educational resource. It underscores the importance of restoring nature by introducing native plants, moss, and lichen. The vision presents a once grey and desolate landscape coming to life, showcasing a narrative of nature reclaiming its territory.

Design Concept

The building represents nature taking back the land, illustrated by the metaphor of a green cloth being lifted from the earth. This idea not only enhances the visual aspect of the design but also offers a welcoming refuge for visitors. With careful thought, the architecture integrates with the surrounding landscape, allowing it to coexist with the natural environment without overwhelming it. This results in a harmonious blend of built and natural elements.

Spatial Organization

The layout promotes a mix of public and private areas, encouraging visitors to interact with both the indoor and outdoor spaces. Pathways are designed to ensure easy movement throughout the site, creating a unified experience that invites exploration. The spatial organization aligns with the intention to foster a connection between the community and nature, providing an educational space that highlights environmental awareness.

Materiality

The choice of materials is significant in supporting the ecological mission of the design. Components include compacted volcanic ash, bioresin, living moss and lichen, triple glazing, RockWool thermal and acoustic insulation, and local volcanic rock cladding. Each of these materials is carefully selected to respond to the local environment and contribute to sustainability. They reflect the project’s focus on integrating with nature and promoting biodiversity.

A noteworthy feature of the building is the surface that gradually incorporates local vegetation, enabling an interaction between nature and human-made spaces. This detail highlights the core principles of rewilding and serves as a clear representation of the project’s aim to connect with and celebrate the natural world.

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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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