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Corten Steel Fins Enhance Visitor Experience At Volcanic Geological Site

Authors:
James Hogden, Gabriel Bellowe
Corten Steel Fins Enhance Visitor Experience At Volcanic Geological Site

Project in-detail

Elevated Corten steel fins form dynamic viewing platforms that seamlessly integrate with the volcanic landscape, providing an educational visitor center that enhances appreciation for the geological significance of the Nemrut site.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel fins designed to mimic natural forms enhance structural stability while providing dynamic viewpoints.
02
Viewing platforms are strategically placed to optimize sightlines of the volcanic caldera and surrounding landscape.
03
Local obsidian integrates historical context into the design, reflecting the geological significance of the area.
04
The path through the visitor center minimizes disruption to the natural terrain, emphasizing ecological sensitivity.
05
Educational panels are incorporated, offering insights into the region's geological history and cultural heritage.

### Overview
The architectural initiative at Nemrut Volcano in Turkey aims to establish an experiential visitor center that enhances the engagement between visitors and the surrounding landscape. By integrating viewing platforms, the design creates opportunities for diverse perspectives, aligning with the site's historical and geological context. The project seeks to foster an understanding of the natural and cultural significance of the region.

### Spatial Strategy
The design employs organic geometric forms to facilitate visitor flow across distinct viewing levels. The structure features multiple fins that rise to form an expressive silhouette, reflecting the natural contours of the landscape. Viewing platforms are strategically positioned to maximize sightlines to the caldera and to provide varying experiences as visitors progress through the site. Lightweight construction techniques minimize site disruption, while the layout promotes accessibility, ensuring a thoughtful connection to existing pathways and ski lifts.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Materials were selected for their compatibility with the natural environment and their aesthetic appeal. Notable materials include corten steel, which introduces a rugged, earthy palette; galvanized steel decking for structural integrity; glass elements that enhance visibility; and obsidian, which connects the architectural language to the site's geological history. This careful selection highlights a commitment to sustainability and landscaping, ensuring that the structure respects its context while offering durability and visual coherence.

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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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