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Reflective Glass Structure Embracing Volcanic Landscape and Water Elements

Author:
Deshun Liu
Reflective Glass Structure Embracing Volcanic Landscape and Water Elements
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Constructed with reflective glass that merges seamlessly with the volcanic landscape, the museum uniquely highlights the interplay between water and stone while providing an educational space for visitors to engage with Iceland's geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass facade enhances the relationship between the museum and its volcanic surroundings.
02
Suspended walkway guides visitors from the original footpath to the main entrance.
03
Exhibition Hall 1 is located at the base of a simulated crater, providing an immersive experience.
04
An outdoor corridor in Exhibition Hall 2 offers simultaneous views of exhibits and nature.
05
Water features at the entrance create a direct connection between the building and the environment.

The Mirror Land Iceland Volcano Museum is located in Iceland's unique volcanic landscape, close to Myvatn Lake. It serves as a museum dedicated to the region’s geological features, aiming to educate and engage visitors. The design concept revolves around the idea of reflection, creating a connection between the building and the natural surroundings, allowing visitors to appreciate both simultaneously.

Building Form
- The structure features an arc-shaped top made of circular mirror glass, which reflects its environment. This material choice allows the building to blend with its surroundings, enhancing the views of Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall. The design takes advantage of the site's natural shape, promoting a relationship between the architecture and the landscape.

Entrance Sequence
- Visitors approach the museum via a suspended walkway that guides them from the original footpath to the main entrance. Upon arrival, they are welcomed by a pool of water, creating a link with nature. This design element emphasizes the connection between the built space and the outdoor environment, inviting visitors to consider their relationship with the landscape.

Exhibition Spaces
- The interior includes several exhibition halls, each providing different experiences. Exhibition Hall 1 is located near the base of a simulated crater, creating an intimate environment for visitors to engage with volcanic exhibits. Exhibition Hall 2 features an outdoor corridor alongside the indoor space, allowing attendees to enjoy curated displays while being aware of the natural landscape outside.

Upper Viewing Platform
- Exhibition Hall 3 serves as an open viewing area that offers clear views of Iceland’s volcanic formations. This hall is designed to be open and accessible, enabling visitors to appreciate the landscape while remaining protected from the elements. The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the museum encourages a heightened awareness of the surrounding environment.

A continuous spiral route connects the various exhibition areas, facilitating easy movement while enhancing the quality of light and views. The way the reflective surfaces interact with changing weather adds to its character, allowing the building to change with the time of day and the seasons.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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