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Corten Steel Pathway Leading to Geological Insights of the Volcano

Authors:
Jan Sikora, Andrzej Marek, Mattia Petrini, Sergio Perez
Corten Steel Pathway Leading to Geological Insights of the Volcano

Project in-detail

Nestled between rising walls of corten steel and rock, a pathway immerses visitors in geological history while providing a reflective journey towards a breathtaking volcanic viewpoint.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pathway's walls gradually rise, creating an enveloping experience.
02
Multimedia presentations educate visitors about the region's geological history.
03
Corten steel is used to blend the structure with the volcanic landscape.
04
A darkened section allows for introspection before revealing the view.
05
The project invites reflection through a sensory journey of discovery.

The pathway leads visitors on a journey to a viewpoint, also taking them through time. Located in a mountainous area, the design uses the natural landscape to create an engaging experience. The journey starts in an open setting and gradually moves into a more enclosed space, encouraging visitors to reflect and connect with the geological history of the region.

Pathway Experience

Visitors start their walk on an open path where the sky is visible. As they move forward, the walls begin to rise. This gradual enclosure creates a feeling of being wrapped up, allowing guests to focus on their thoughts and the surroundings. The shift from openness to a confined area enhances the sense of exploration, inviting people to immerse themselves in the journey.

Immersive Learning

When entering the roofed section, guests feel as if they are part of the rock itself. This dark environment serves as an area for learning and provides a break from the fast pace of modern life. Inside, multimedia presentations offer insights into the geological context of the area, explaining the history of volcanoes and the Earth’s formation, enriching the visitor experience.

Reveal of the Landscape

As guests approach the observation point, they experience a sense of anticipation. The breathtaking view of the volcano is initially hidden, and as they descend further, the landscape starts to emerge. This gradual unveiling creates an emotional moment, emphasizing the connection between the built environment and the natural features around it.

Materials in Context

Corten steel and rock are integral to the design, chosen for their relevance to the volcanic landscape. Corten steel, with its rough, weathered appearance, blends with the environment while adding a raw quality to the structure. The use of rock emphasizes the tactile relationship with nature. These material choices reflect the overall design philosophy, reinforcing the bond between the pathway and the geological sites.

The pathway culminates at a point where visitors are met with the expansive view of the volcano, marking a moment of reflection. The transition from the dark, enclosed spaces to the open vista allows individuals to appreciate the powerful forces of nature that have shaped the land.

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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

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