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Living Moss Facade With Local Volcanic Ash Integration for Ecological Education Centre

Authors:
Karen Harding, Jeb Beresford, Victoria Bartlett
Living Moss Facade With Local Volcanic Ash Integration for Ecological Education Centre

Project in-detail

A living moss facade combined with local volcanic ash creates a biophilic educational hub that immerses visitors in the principles of ecological restoration and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facade incorporates living moss for improved air quality and biodiversity.
02
Constructed using local volcanic ash to enhance environmental integration.
03
Features a green roof designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
04
Educational spaces include interactive installations focused on ecological restoration.
05
Utilizes sustainable materials like BioResin and RockWool for thermal efficiency.

The architectural project known as "Rewild" is situated near the Hverfjall crater in northern Iceland, adjacent to Mývatn Lake. It is designed to address ecological restoration in an area significantly impacted by volcanic activity. The project embodies principles of rewilding, emphasizing the reintroduction of natural elements into a previously desolate landscape.

The function of "Rewild" serves as an educational hub, providing visitors with opportunities to engage with and learn about local ecology and geology. Its design fosters a connection between occupants and the surrounding environment, creating spaces that facilitate interaction with nature. This project serves not only as a building but as an integral part of the landscape, adhering to sustainable practices and enhancing biodiversity.

Materiality is fundamental to the project, employing locally sourced materials to reinforce its connection to the landscape. Key materials include compacted volcanic ash, BioResin, living moss/lichen, RockWool thermal and acoustic insulation, local volcanic rock cladding, and triple glazing. Each material choice reflects the characteristics of the area while promoting environmental efficiency.

The architectural form of "Rewild" is intentionally low-profile, situated at ground level to minimize visual intrusion and foster a sense of immersion. A green roof integrates vegetation into the design, promoting biodiversity and ecological health. The interior spaces utilize curvilinear elements and a natural palette, creating environments that echo the undulating forms of the surrounding terrain. The flooring features a gradient from black to white, symbolically representing the transition from the barren volcanic landscape to a thriving ecosystem.

What distinguishes "Rewild" from other architectural projects is its commitment to ecological engagement and community involvement. The design encourages active participation from visitors, integrating educational programming within the site to inform about local ecological processes.

The project promotes sustainable practices through composting facilities and environmental stewardship initiatives embedded within its operational model. This approach underscores the importance of architecture as a facilitator of ecological recovery, moving beyond traditional building practices to incorporate a harmony between the constructed environment and natural ecosystems.

"Rewild" effectively combines architectural design with ecological restoration, highlighting unique approaches that lessen environmental impact while fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. For further insights into the project's architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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