Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Capturing Water Through Cloud Fishing and Laminated Wood in a Volcanic Observatory

Authors:
Karin white Oberholzer, Paolo Petrino
Capturing Water Through Cloud Fishing and Laminated Wood in a Volcanic Observatory

Project in-detail

Utilizing a cloud fisher system to capture atmospheric moisture and framed by laminated wood, the tower serves as an observatory within a unique volcanic landscape, blending sustainability with functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cloud fisher system collects atmospheric moisture for sustainable water supply.
02
Laminated wood structure enhances both aesthetic and structural performance.
03
Viewing platform offers filtered perspectives of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
04
Modular design allows for flexible use of space throughout the tower.
05
Geothermal energy systems support heating and electricity needs autonomously.

The Cloud Tower is a carefully designed structure set in a volcanic landscape, serving as an observatory and a landmark. It combines essential functions in one building while aiming to limit its impact on the environment. Positioned at the junction of existing pathways and parking areas, the tower connects with the natural terrain and enhances visitor access.

Integration of Modular Systems

The design makes use of a modular system to improve functionality and flexibility. Modules are placed along designated paths, accommodating various services based on user needs. Visitors enter the tower and are guided through a circulation route that provides filtered views of the surroundings. This experience leads to a viewing platform offering broad vistas of the impressive landscape.

Sustainability Features

A notable aspect of the Cloud Tower is the cloud fisher system, which is designed to capture moisture from the atmosphere. This feature contributes to the building's sustainability and changes its appearance with the seasons. Specific surfaces are engineered to attract moisture, directing it into storage tanks, while the net's density is optimized to perform well against wind conditions.

Material Considerations

The structure utilizes laminated wood for its framework, which promotes efficiency and sustainability. Rock wool insulation enhances thermal performance, an important factor in this specific environment. The design also includes double thermo-formed polycarbonate for circular openings, which allows natural light to enter while framing views of the surrounding area. PDM gaskets provide airtight seals around these openings, contributing to energy efficiency.

Geothermal Systems

The tower includes geothermal energy systems to meet heating and electricity needs. This aspect reinforces the goal of energy independence. Electrical and water systems are integrated throughout the building's core, showcasing how different systems can work together in a sustainable manner.

The observation platform at the Cloud Tower extends outward, providing clear, panoramic views. This design encourages visitors to connect with the vast volcanic landscape and enjoy the changing scenery from a unique vantage point.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy