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Seismic Waves Captured In Laminated Timber Form With Geology-Focused Public Space

Authors:
Adrian min fui Ho, Shijie Wu
Seismic Waves Captured In Laminated Timber Form With Geology-Focused Public Space

Project in-detail

Capturing the essence of seismic activity through a timber structural envelope, the museum engages visitors with its geology-focused design that enhances understanding of the region's volcanic history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Captures seismic wave patterns in its architectural form.
02
Auditorium serves as a representation of seismic magnitude scales.
03
Integrates natural light through a complex roof structure.
04
Utilizes 200mm EPS insulation for energy efficiency.
05
Constructed with laminated timber for structural resilience.

The Hverfjall Museum is located in a region known for its volcanic features, which influence its design and function. The building serves both an educational and cultural purpose, immersing visitors in the geological history of the area. The overall concept draws from the dynamics of seismic waves and volcanic eruptions, translating these natural movements into an architectural expression.

Form and Geometry
The shape of the museum is inspired by the isoseismal circle, which represents the space within the building. This geometric element informs the museum's overall silhouette, with the roof mimicking the movement of seismic waves. The design connects with the local landscape and invites visitors to appreciate the geological processes that define the environment.

Spatial Organization
At the heart of the museum lies the auditorium, which symbolizes seismic magnitude scales. This central area is intended for public gatherings and educational activities. The layout of the building encourages visitor interaction. Public spaces are laid out to facilitate exploration, guiding visitors through various exhibits in a way that complements their journey of discovery.

Materiality
A careful selection of materials contributes to the museum's structural integrity and visual appeal. Glass-reinforced gypsum plasterboard and treated plywood offer durability, while laminated timber forms the dynamic roof. The use of aluminium for the double-glazed roof aids in natural light entry as well as energy efficiency, supported by steel purlins that enhance the overall stability. Additionally, 200mm EPS insulation is included to improve thermal performance and promote energy conservation.

Light filtering through the roof creates patterns that enhance the internal spaces, allowing for a rich interaction with the exhibit areas. This element of design invites a unique experience as visitors engage with the museum's narrative on geological history.

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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
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