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Cantilevered Viewing Platform Crafted from Reinforced Concrete and Metal Mesh Immersed in Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Yiyao Wang
Cantilevered Viewing Platform Crafted from Reinforced Concrete and Metal Mesh Immersed in Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Cantilevered over a caldera, the reinforced concrete structure integrates a metal mesh staircase and observation decks to provide visitors with a unique exploration of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design extends over the caldera, providing dramatic views.
02
Reinforced concrete structure withstands extreme weather conditions.
03
Metal mesh staircases offer transparency while ensuring safety.
04
Integration with volcanic landscape enhances visitor experience.
05
Asymmetrical shapes create unique spatial dynamics throughout.

### Project Overview and Context
Located in an expansive region characterized by striking winter landscapes and volcanic activity, the design focuses on creating a structured visitor experience that culminates in a distinct viewing platform. The intent is to foster a deep engagement with the surrounding environment, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and geological features, including the caldera in the vicinity.

### Spatial Strategy and Configuration
The design implements a linear progression through a series of branching staircases and observation platforms, which encourage exploration and contemplation. The layout fosters personal engagement with the environment, offering multiple viewpoints that enhance the appreciation of the picturesque panoramas. A cantilevered viewing platform is a notable feature of the design, extending over the caldera to provide an immersive experience that connects visitors to the vastness of the landscape below.

### Materiality and Sensory Experience
The choice of materials, including reinforced concrete as the primary structural element, reinforces the project’s connection to its geological setting while ensuring durability. Metal mesh is incorporated in the staircase and railing systems, providing safety without obstructing views. The interplay between these rigid materials and the dynamic natural environment heightens the sensory experience, inviting visitors to engage with both the visual and tactile qualities of the architecture, such as the contrast between the solid surfaces and the cold air of the snowy landscape.

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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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