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Volcanic Aggregate and Black Metal Venue in a Folklore Landscape

Authors:
Adin Rimland, Keshav Ramaswami
Volcanic Aggregate and Black Metal Venue in a Folklore Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic aggregate, Muspellsheimr integrates a black metal music venue within the folklore-rich landscape of Dimmuborgir, serving as a multifunctional hub for cultural and spiritual engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local volcanic aggregate to blend with the landscape.
02
Integrates both a music venue and a visitor center in one facility.
03
Design draws inspiration from Dimmuborgir folklore and cultural narratives.
04
Spatial arrangement encourages interaction between nature and community.
05
Energy-efficient features ensure sustainability in Iceland's climate.

Muspellsheimr is located in the geological formations of Dimmuborgir, Iceland. The site is rich in folklore, linking the earthly realm to the infernal. It serves two main purposes: a visitor center and a venue for black metal music performances. The design explores the relationship between nature tourism and spiritual experiences. It creates a sense of place that connects visitors with the landscape while honoring the cultural narratives of the area.

Space Organization

The spaces within Muspellsheimr are designed to improve how visitors interact with one another and the environment. Administrative areas, exhibition spaces, and informal gathering spots encourage exploration and engagement. The design leads visitors through different experiences, allowing them to connect with the story of Dimmuborgir more deeply.

Material Choices

Materials play an important role in the project. Precast concrete with volcanic aggregate connects the building to the local geological features. Embedded insulation ensures energy efficiency, adapting to the cool climate of Iceland. Suspended ceilings are included to enhance sound quality during musical performances while also providing a pleasing visual aspect within the space.

Cultural Engagement

Muspellsheimr is designed to engage visitors culturally and spiritually. It presents the folklore of Dimmuborgir alongside the modern influences of black metal music. The architecture supports different types of interaction, inviting guests to explore nature and the site’s mystical elements. This combination highlights the building's role as both a cultural and experiential landmark.

Aesthetic Integration

The design reflects a careful relationship between the built environment and its natural setting. The architectural elements are crafted to complement the landscape, ensuring that the structure feels like part of Dimmuborgir. Light and shadow dance across the surfaces, providing a visual experience that deepens the visitors' connection to the remarkable 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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