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Museum featuring a volcanic crater roof and stone veneer façade in a geothermal landscape.

Authors:
Karen Fang, Vanessa Paningbatan-cerezo, Dinara Gataullina
Museum featuring a volcanic crater roof and stone veneer façade in a geothermal landscape.

Project in-detail

Nestled in Iceland’s geothermal landscape, this museum captivates visitors with its volcanic crater-shaped roof and natural stone veneer, seamlessly blending educational exhibits with the region’s rich geological heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The museum’s roof is modeled after a volcanic crater, designed to enhance airflow and natural lighting within the exhibition spaces.
02
Its exterior utilizes locally sourced stone veneer, reflecting the region's geological characteristics while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The design incorporates flexible exhibition areas, allowing for dynamic programming that can adapt to various educational and community needs.
04
The building features large glass panels that provide panoramic views of the surrounding geothermal landscape, creating a seamless connection between nature and visitors.
05
An artist workspace is integrated into the museum, promoting creativity and encouraging collaborations with the local community through workshops and exhibitions.
The Iceland Volcano Museum is an architectural project designed to create an engaging space that connects visitors with the dynamic geological nature of Iceland. Nestled within a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, this structure serves multiple functions, including exhibition spaces, educational forums, and community gathering areas. It represents a celebration of Iceland’s unique geothermal characteristics, highlighting the natural beauty and scientific significance of the volcanic processes that define the region.

The museum’s architecture embodies a vision that reflects Iceland's rugged terrain. The design features a roof shaped to resemble a volcanic crater, seamlessly integrating into the surrounding landscape while providing practical benefits such as natural ventilation. This approach not only reinforces the building’s thematic connection to its environment but also enhances the visitor experience by fostering a sense of immersion in Iceland’s geological narrative.

Inside the museum, visitors encounter a variety of spaces thoughtfully organized to facilitate exploration and discovery. The ground floor houses large exhibition areas that showcase artifacts, interactive displays, and educational content related to volcanic activity. These spaces are designed for flexibility, accommodating diverse programs and visitor needs. Adjacent to the exhibitions, an artist workspace and a café provide visitors with opportunities to engage in creative activities or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The upper floor is dedicated to additional exhibit spaces, office areas, and archival storage. This thoughtful spatial organization ensures that the museum can serve both public and professional functions effectively. The upper levels also offer strategic sightlines, drawing visitors to observe the ongoing activities on the ground floor while maintaining an awareness of the outdoor environment.

One of the project’s distinctive features is its thoughtful use of materials, which echoes the volcanic landscape. The exterior is clad in stone veneer that mimics the rough textures of lava formations, lending an authentic feel to the architecture. Wood panels used for flooring and ceilings counterbalance the rugged exterior, introducing warmth and comfort to the interior ambiance. The incorporation of glazing and curtain walls allows natural light to permeate the spaces, fostering a bright and welcoming atmosphere while enhancing the connection between inside and outside.

The circulation design within the museum promotes ease of movement and encourages visitors to engage fully with the exhibits. Pathways are carefully articulated to guide people through the various displays, while large glass panels invite an ongoing interaction between the interior spaces and the stunning views of the natural surroundings. This open layout supports a dynamic visitor experience, allowing for both solitary reflection and social interaction.

Furthermore, the architecture reflects sustainability principles, addressing energy efficiency through its design choices. The integration of natural light, local materials, and climate-responsive strategies demonstrably reduces the building's environmental footprint, aligning with contemporary practices in sustainable architecture.

The Iceland Volcano Museum stands not only as an educational institution but also as a reflection of Iceland's geological heritage. Its design thoughtfully synthesizes function, experience, and sustainability, creating a space that resonates with both locals and visitors. This project exemplifies a comprehensive understanding of how architecture can narrate a story deeply rooted in its geographic and cultural context.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of the Iceland Volcano Museum further, we invite you to delve into the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that underpin this project. Through a closer examination, you can gain rich insights into the architectural thought processes that shaped this unique space dedicated to the exploration and appreciation of Iceland’s volcanic legacy.
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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
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