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Reflective Stainless Steel and Lava Rock Integration in Volcanic Education Center

Authors:
Xiaochun Fan, Tingting Peng
Reflective Stainless Steel and Lava Rock Integration in Volcanic Education Center

Project in-detail

Combining a polished stainless steel floor with lava rock walls, the center uses its unique materials to create an immersive educational experience focused on volcanic geology and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective stainless steel flooring mimics the surface of a crater lake.
02
Lava rock walls serve as a direct connection to the geological landscape.
03
An all-glass meditation hut enhances the experience of nature integration.
04
The design features an underground entry that simulates lava tube pathways.
05
Native plant species are incorporated into the green roof for sustainability.

The Lava Pond Museum and Education Center is located near the Hverfjall Crater in Iceland, an area known for its unique volcanic features. It serves both as a visitor center and an exhibition space designed for education and reflection. The overall design concept focuses on connecting visitors to the geological history of the region through its architectural elements, providing a blend of learning and contemplation.

Design Concept

The design highlights geological processes, particularly how volcanic features are formed by flowing lava. As visitors enter, they travel through a pathway that mimics the experience of descending into a lava tube. This entrance creates an engaging starting point for guests, encouraging them to explore the educational displays beyond. The layout guides individuals into an environment where they can learn about the dynamics of the earth.

Central Courtyard

At the heart of the building is "The Pond," an open-air courtyard meant to reflect the peace of a crater lake. The polished stainless steel floor adds a reflective quality that interacts with natural light. This design choice creates a space where visitors can gather and enjoy the surroundings. The courtyard serves as both a social hub and an area for quiet reflection, fostering a sense of calm amid the educational experience.

Meditation Hut

A glass meditation hut occupies the center of "The Pond," offering a place for quiet thought and introspection. The transparency of the glass allows visitors unobstructed views of the outdoor landscape, connecting the inside with nature outside. This feature enhances the meditative experience, providing a quiet retreat where guests can contemplate what they have learned.

Material Integration

The materials used in the design support the connection to the surrounding environment. Lava rock is employed as the exterior wall veneer in "The Pond," grounding the structure in its volcanic context. Inside, the use of board-form concrete with crushed lava rock helps establish a cohesive aesthetic that complements the overall theme. The polished concrete floors create a consistent look throughout the interior spaces. The green roof, which includes native plant species, emphasizes sustainability and enhances the ecological message of the center.

The design incorporates circular forms that symbolize the natural flow of energy and water. This element reinforces the idea of interconnectedness between the building and the surrounding landscape, creating a visual metaphor for the relationship between humans and nature.

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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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