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City plans to start using volcanic lava in construction. Natural and resistant material could be a sustainable and economical alternative for construction projects. See how the application works
An architect in Iceland is proposing a new way to build buildings and structures: using volcanic lava as a raw material. Arnhildur Pálmadóttir is leading the “Lavaforming” project, which transforms the destructive power of lava into something useful for construction. The idea is simple but bold: guide still-molten lava through channels until it cools and forms solid structures.
The project is developed by s.ap architects, based in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The region is known for its intense volcanic activity, as it is located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
This unique geography makes Iceland the ideal place to explore new ideas involving lava, one of the most abundant and challenging materials there.
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How “Lavaforming” works
Pálmadóttir’s proposal goes beyond a creative solution. She wants to change the way architecture deals with the environment. Instead of continuing to intensively exploit natural resources, as is the case with traditional mining and the burning of fossil fuels, “Lavaforming” seeks to take advantage of the natural resources that are already available and active.
Lava, when still in its liquid state, can reach temperatures between 700 and 1.200 degrees Celsius. The plan is to guide this material through previously planned channels, allowing it to cool in controlled and resistant forms. From this, it would be possible to create everything from foundations for houses to bases for entire cities.
Despite its potential, the project faces significant technical challenges. One of the main ones is ensuring that the lava solidifies evenly. When cooling occurs unevenly, the structure can become unstable.
Standardizing forms is a fundamental step towards transforming this proposal into something safe and viable in day-to-day construction.
Lava as a material of the future
If these obstacles can be overcome, lava could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional materials such as concrete and brick. This could reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and help combat the environmental impacts of current construction.
Iceland already makes efficient use of geothermal energy, another natural force present in the country. The use of lava in construction could further expand this model of sustainable use.
The project shows how nature, even in its most aggressive form, can be intelligently and creatively incorporated into human development.
The proposal will be presented at the Venice International Architecture Biennale. There, Pálmadóttir wants to show that lava can play a role in the future of architecture, just as steam power did in the past.
The exhibition aims to inspire new ideas about the use of natural materials and the path to sustainable construction. Iceland can become a global example by transforming the threat of volcanoes into a real opportunity for innovation.
With information from Correio Braziliense.
