Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Greenhouses Constructed With Volcanic Rock for Ecological Education

Author:
Philipp Zenner
Vertical Greenhouses Constructed With Volcanic Rock for Ecological Education

Project in-detail

Constructed from local volcanic rock, this center integrates vertical greenhouses to educate visitors about sustainable practices while harmonizing with Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local volcanic rock, enhancing thermal performance.
02
Incorporates vertical greenhouses for hands-on sustainability education.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that mirrors surrounding landscape contours.
04
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and resource efficiency.
05
Interior includes warm wood finishes to create inviting communal spaces.
The Black Lava Fields Visitors Center is an architectural project located in Iceland, designed to serve as an educational facility that promotes awareness of the local ecology and the importance of reforestation efforts. The design reflects a thoughtful integration with its surrounding volcanic landscape, emphasizing both functionality and the experience of the natural environment. The building serves as a hub for visitors, offering various educational and interactive experiences that focus on the region's unique geological and ecological history.

The Visitors Center includes multiple functional areas: a reception space for initial visitor engagement, exhibition spaces showcasing ecological narratives, vertical greenhouses for demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices, and multipurpose rooms for community events. The layout promotes ease of movement, guiding visitors through curated experiences and encouraging interaction with the natural setting.

The project utilizes local materials to establish a coherent relationship with the surroundings. The exterior is clad in volcanic rock and concrete, ensuring durability against the harsh Icelandic climate while visually blending with the landscape. Interior spaces incorporate wood, creating warmth and comfort, particularly in areas designed for learning and reflection. The strategic use of glass allows for unobstructed views of the lava fields, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

A unique aspect of this project is its emphasis on storytelling through architecture. The design encapsulates a narrative that transitions from Iceland’s Viking heritage to modern ecological practices. This thematic approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also creates an educational platform that addresses relevant environmental concerns.

Sustainability is a core principle embedded in the project’s design philosophy. Features such as rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient construction methods are implemented to minimize the environmental impact. The site planning includes a carefully positioned car park to reduce visual disturbance, while pathways guide visitors through the landscape, aligning with ecological preservation efforts.

To explore more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Black Lava Fields Visitors Center, consider examining the project presentation. Delve into the architectural ideas and unique design elements that set this project apart from similar facilities in the field.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy