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Cantilevered Observation Platform With Gabion Construction Over Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Sam Tannenbaum, Ryan Botts, Lindsay Kunz
Cantilevered Observation Platform With Gabion Construction Over Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Cantilevered over the Newell Crater, a gabion-constructed observation platform enhances the visitor experience by integrating geological features and local materials, fostering a connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered structure provides unobstructed views of the crater's geological features.
02
Gabion walls utilize locally sourced rock, reducing environmental impact.
03
Expanded metal grating enhances visual connectivity while ensuring safety.
04
Pathways incorporate a meandering design to heighten visitor anticipation.
05
Prefabricated components streamline construction and minimize site disruption.

### Project Overview
The "Balancing Act" project is situated at Newell Crater, designed to enhance visitor engagement with the area’s natural beauty while addressing the challenges posed by its rugged landscape. The intent is to establish a dialogue between architecture and nature that encourages safe interaction with the environment, ultimately transforming the visitor experience into one of heightened awareness and appreciation for the surrounding landscape.

### Structural Dynamics
The architectural composition features a cantilevered structure that projects over the crater, affording visitors unobstructed views of the surrounding terrain. Central to the design is an expansive observation platform, guiding guests to a vantage point where they can safely confront the void below, fostering a direct interaction with the landscape. This arrangement promotes a physical and psychological connection with the environment, balancing the thrill of exposure with the comfort of secure footing.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs gabion baskets filled with local rock as a primary structural element, aligning the architecture with its surroundings while minimizing environmental impact through the use of indigenous materials. Structural steel frames provide stability and a contemporary aesthetic that complements the landscape. Extensive use of glass enhances visual connectivity and allows natural light to permeate the interior spaces, facilitating an immersive experience. Additionally, expanded metal grating is utilized for walkways, offering durability and maintaining sightlines to the landscape below. The construction approach employs prefabricated components to minimize disturbance in the sensitive area, incorporating innovative logistical solutions to navigate the challenging terrain.

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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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