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Mycelium Structure Enhances Visitor Interaction in Geothermal Landscape

Authors:
Yuxiang Chen, Yihan Wang
Mycelium Structure Enhances Visitor Interaction in Geothermal Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with mycelium and integrated with solar panels, the structure facilitates visitor exploration of geothermal caves while minimizing ecological impact in the Grjótagjá area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from mycelium, promoting ecological sustainability.
02
Solar panels provide energy and heating for the facility.
03
Design mimics natural cave formations for enhanced visitor experience.
04
Integrates an interior irrigation system to support plant life.
05
Location in Grjótagjá enhances access to geothermal features.

The Pillar of Cave is located in the Grjótagjá area of Iceland, known for its unique geological features and geothermal activity. The structure serves as a visitor center, enhancing access to nearby caves while protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Vogagjá cave. The overall design aims to blend naturally with the environment, encouraging visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape and the experience within.

Materiality and Sustainability

Solar panels are installed along the enclosing platform, generating renewable energy to power the facility. This choice showcases a commitment to sustainability, reducing the ecological impact while ensuring efficient energy use within the area. The project reflects modern environmental practices, positioning it as a responsible structure in a delicate ecological system.

Organic Form and Visitor Experience

The design of the Pillar draws inspiration from cave shapes, resulting in a form that offers a unique exploration experience. Visitors navigate through openings and curved walls, creating a sense of moving within a natural cave. This journey elevates the experience, allowing for varied views of the striking landscape from multiple heights.

Interior Irrigation System

Inside, a concrete frame supports an innovative irrigation system that supplies water to plants growing between active areas and platforms. This system enhances the indoor environment, promoting plant life that connects visitors to nature while supporting the project’s ecological goals.

The Pillar features an irregular façade with thoughtfully placed voids that reference cave openings. These gaps allow for natural light and ventilation, and can also lead to the appearance of seasonal features like waterfalls or icicles. Such details not only enrich the visual interest but also highlight the relationship between the structure and the changing natural environment.

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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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