Get inspired!

17,108 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,108 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy