Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Metal Facade and Aluminium Cladding Enhancing Volcanic Educational Experience

Author:
Veranika Strakh
Metal Facade and Aluminium Cladding Enhancing Volcanic Educational Experience

Project in-detail

The combination of a durable metal facade and aluminium cladding creates a distinctive exterior for a museum dedicated to educating the public about Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building integrates a Mini-Hotel to accommodate visitors during inclement weather.
02
It features a Mezzanine Floor dedicated to multipurpose exhibition activities.
03
A load-bearing structure enhances the stability of the overall design.
04
Natural light is emphasized through strategically placed openings in the facade.
05
The design includes a dedicated Technical Space for operational efficiency.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is situated in Iceland, a land known for its dramatic geological features. The museum is designed to inform visitors about volcanic activity and the geological history of the region. It combines practical spaces for exhibitions, administrative functions, and visitor amenities, all while connecting to the natural landscape. This thoughtful design emphasizes the relationship between education and the powerful phenomena of nature.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the museum includes a Mezzanine Floor that serves several essential functions. On this level, visitors will find a Technical Space, a Multipurpose Exhibition Hall, Administration and Offices, and areas for visitor services, including a Cafeteria and a Mini-Hotel. The arrangement encourages engagement with the exhibits while ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.



Structural Integrity

On the Ground Floor, the design accommodates critical operational areas. Here, Exhibition Halls, Offices, a Cloakroom, a Conference Room, and a Social Room are arranged to support a variety of activities. This thoughtful configuration allows for flexibility, catering to both educational and social interactions. A Load-Bearing Structure adds stability to the building and facilitates the integration of diverse architectural elements.



Material Selection

The museum features a Metal Facade and Aluminium Composite Panels for Facade Cladding. Both materials are chosen for their durability, ensuring the structure can withstand Iceland’s unpredictable weather. This choice also contributes to a modern visual appeal. The materials create an interesting contrast with the natural environment, enhancing the relationship between the building and its surroundings.



Elevational Design

The elevations, especially the South and West faces, engage with the landscape in an intentional way. The building's geometric shapes and well-placed openings allow for natural light to fill the interior spaces. It also frames views of the unique landscapes outside. This design approach enhances learning by connecting visitors visually and spatially to the geological context surrounding the museum.

From the details of the facade to the careful arrangement of spaces, the design reflects a commitment to education and community. The architectural choices serve to deepen the understanding of Iceland’s volcanic wonders, inviting visitors to explore both the exhibit and the incredible environment beyond.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
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 17,725 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