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Roof Garden and Skylights Enhance Community Learning Experience in Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Yang Zhang
Roof Garden and Skylights Enhance Community Learning Experience in Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Natural light floods through strategic skylights while a roof garden connects visitors with the volcanic landscape, creating an engaging educational space focused on the dynamics of volcanic activity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is maximized through strategic skylights, enhancing visitor experience.
02
A roof garden provides connections to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
03
The design incorporates distinct thematic zones for an engaging educational journey.
04
Flexible exhibition spaces allow for diverse programming and community events.
05
Integration with views of Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Mountain enriches the learning environment.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is designed to educate visitors about volcanic activity and geological processes. Set in an area known for its unique landscapes, the museum aims to serve as a Volcano Discovery Tour, combining innovative architecture with educational themes. The design focuses on functionality and visitor engagement through well-organized exhibition spaces and a connection to the surrounding environment.

Master Plan

The layout features distinct pathways that guide visitors, enhancing their exploration while ensuring smooth movement throughout the building. Access points include the Main Entrance and separate entrances for employees and deliveries. The Multipurpose Exhibition Hall is a notable feature, designed for flexibility to accommodate various displays and educational programs.

Exhibition Themes

The museum organizes its content into thematic zones: Flowing Lava, Eruption, Exploration, and New Life. These zones create a logical sequence that takes visitors through different aspects of volcanic activity. Each area offers insights into geological processes, making complex information more accessible and engaging for all.

Integration with Environment

The museum design pays close attention to its surroundings, incorporating views of Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Mountain. Natural light is maximized through skylights, illuminating open spaces that encourage curiosity and interaction. This connection to the local landscape enhances the educational experience, linking visitors with the natural steps of geology.

Visitor Engagement

Visitor facilities are included to enhance comfort and usability. A Café, Gift Shop, and restrooms ensure that the needs of guests are met during their visit. Additional spaces, such as a Roof Garden and Volcano Library, provide informal learning areas and promote community interaction. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for exploration and learning.

An emphasis on open spaces alongside educational features makes for a rich experience, allowing visitors to connect with both the subject matter and the landscape around them.

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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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