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Volcano Exhibit with AAC and Aluminum in a Nature-Inspired Visitor Center

Author:
Zahra Ali-shapiro
Volcano Exhibit with AAC and Aluminum in a Nature-Inspired Visitor Center
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The Volcano Exhibit rises within a two-story tower constructed with AAC and aluminum, offering visitors a space for reflection and engagement with the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Volcano Exhibit serves as the focal point within a two-story tower.
02
AAC construction provides lightweight, fire-resistant benefits.
03
Accessible ramp enhances visitor engagement and inclusivity.
04
Carefully framed vistas connect the interior with the landscape.
05
Communal areas promote social interaction and relaxation.

The design is set in a special landscape that encourages visitors to connect with their surroundings in a thoughtful way. The concept, known as "Dés Vu," focuses on heightening awareness of the present moment through a well-planned structure. This rest center along a popular path promotes reflection and interaction with nature. The architecture invites people into a rich experience, leading them on a journey that merges the built space with the landscape outside.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is deliberate and helps guide visitors through different experiences that encourage contemplation and engagement. A key feature is the Volcano Exhibit, located in a two-story tower. This central point is reached through a ramp that accommodates all visitors, allowing everyone to participate fully. As they move upwards, changes in the size and acoustics of the spaces create an engaging atmosphere, deepening the connection to the natural world.

Visual Integration

Great care is taken with visual lines, which are set up to frame beautiful views of the surrounding environment. These carefully designed sightlines invite visitors to engage with the outdoors, making the landscape an important part of the experience. The way light and shadow play within the building adds to a calm and thoughtful atmosphere, enhancing how people feel while inside the space.

Materials and Sustainability

The chosen materials are key to supporting both practical use and visual appeal. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is used for the building's exterior. This material offers insulation, structural support, and fire safety, all while being lightweight. Using AAC aligns with goals for sustainability and energy efficiency. The roof includes prefabricated modular panels, which make installation easier and also allow for greenery. Aluminum cladding is selected for its ability to withstand weather, ensuring that the building remains durable over time.

Design Details

Every element of the design aims to create areas that foster connection and a sense of awareness. Communal spaces, like the café and lounge, are designed to be welcoming, encouraging social gatherings and relaxation. Attention to detail is evident throughout, as the combination of materials and spatial designs helps visitors engage fully with the environment. Carefully placed views guide the transition between the indoors and outdoors, enriching the entire visitor experience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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