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Triangular Cuts in Reinforced Concrete Embrace Natural Light in Volcanic Exhibition Space

Author:
Daniel Brigginshaw
Triangular Cuts in Reinforced Concrete Embrace Natural Light in Volcanic Exhibition Space

Project in-detail

With its hollow box form and triangular voids that channel natural light, the design utilizes reinforced concrete to create an immersive space dedicated to exploring Iceland's volcanic phenomena.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hollow box design enhances light penetration throughout the structure.
02
Triangular voids create dynamic visual connections between exhibition levels.
03
Reinforced concrete provides durability while mimicking volcanic rock textures.
04
Flexible spatial arrangements accommodate various exhibition configurations.
05
Conic orifice channels natural light into the building's core, enriching the visitor experience.

The Icelandic Volcano Museum, known as Íslenska eldfjallasafnið, is designed to connect closely with Iceland's geological heritage. Located in a volcanic landscape, the museum serves as both an educational resource and an exhibition space focused on the country’s volcanic features. The design centers around a hollow box shape, featuring triangular voids that invite natural light indoors, encouraging exploration and curiosity about the forces that shape the earth.

Form and Spatial Organization
The design presents a hollow box with triangular cuts, which bring light into the interior. These voids create a strong connection between the outside and the inside. Visitors are drawn to explore the many features of the museum. The spaces are organized for flexibility, allowing both the entrance office and the exhibition areas to function without structural limitations. This arrangement supports various uses, ensuring adaptability for different exhibitions.

Light and Experience
A central element is the conic orifice that extends through both levels of the building. This feature directs sunlight into the heart of the museum, enhancing the atmosphere of the exhibition areas. Visitors can see the upper floor as soon as they enter, establishing a visual link to the displays above. The interplay of light and space brings to mind the experience of being inside a volcanic structure, adding depth to the visitor's journey.

Materiality and Context
Reinforced concrete is used for its strength and reliability. The exterior features a rough, black finish that imitates volcanic rock. This choice allows the building to fit well with the nearby landscape. The materials reinforce the museum’s focus on volcanoes while maintaining a cohesive relationship with the Icelandic environment.

Technical Features
An underground level mirrors the usable spaces above and provides necessary services like restrooms and technical areas. This layout promotes efficient operations without distracting from the exhibition spaces. The design thoughtfully incorporates essential elements, ensuring that the museum serves its purpose while creating a notable presence in the landscape.

The angled openings in the façade capture sunlight and create dynamic visuals. This subtle detail enhances the connection between the museum and the natural surroundings.

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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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