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Burned Timber Cladding and Steel Foundations in a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
James Tanner, Edyta Milczarek
Burned Timber Cladding and Steel Foundations in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Built with burned timber cladding and set within a volcanic landscape, the structures create intimate spaces for contemplation and observation, inviting visitors to engage with their spectacular surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Burned timber cladding reflects the site's volcanic history.
02
Steel screw foundations minimize ground disturbance and provide stability.
03
The oculus design enhances natural light and sky visibility.
04
Pinwheel platform arrangement facilitates movement and exploration.
05
Elevated pavilion offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Situated in the volcanic landscape of Nemrut Observation Path, the design explores the relationship between constructed spaces and the natural world. The concept revolves around three main architectural forms: the hut, the enclosure, and the pavilion. Each structure responds differently to the unique environment, creating distinct experiences for visitors while forming a connection with the rugged terrain.

Hut

The hut acts as a place of retreat from the surrounding landscape. Its straightforward design provides shelter and encourages solitude. Here, visitors can find a quiet moment to reflect and engage with their environment. The form integrates smoothly with the surroundings, offering a protected space that highlights the beauty of its context.

Enclosure

The enclosure is designed to absorb its landscape, allowing a more personal experience. It creates an intimate atmosphere where visitors can engage in quiet reflection. The geometry takes the form of a pinwheel arrangement of platforms, which directs users to a central opening topped with a wide oculus. This feature invites sunlight into the space, creating a connection to the sky while framing vistas of the outdoors.

Pavilion

The pavilion raises visitors above the land, offering a broader view of the landscape. This elevation encourages an exploratory experience. Inside, a rotated bench allows users to sit comfortably and take in the views, promoting interaction with the surrounding environment.

Steel screw foundations provide structural support for each form, ensuring stability while minimizing disruption to the natural ground. The project incorporates burned timber cladding, connecting the structures to the geological history of the area. This material choice reflects the powerful landscape while maintaining an understated presence. The design emphasizes a thoughtful relationship between the built environment and the natural forces that shaped it.

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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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