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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

Project in-detail

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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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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