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Curvilinear Spaces Enhanced by Fat Wall System in a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Ryosuke Imaeda, Katherine Leung
Curvilinear Spaces Enhanced by Fat Wall System in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Defined by its curvilinear forms and innovative Fat Wall System, the design creates a dynamic visitor experience while exploring the geological narratives of volcanic landscapes through its engaging exhibition spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Defined by curvilinear walls that adaptively shape exhibition areas.
02
Utilizes a Fat Wall System for flexible display options and infrastructure integration.
03
Interconnected volumes enhance movement and flow throughout the museum.
04
Natural light is strategically introduced via a central skylight feature.
05
The design captures the essence of volcanic forces through its dynamic forms.

The Volcano Museum is situated in a landscape marked by geological features, emphasizing its function as an educational facility focused on volcanic activity. The design embraces the concept of turbulence, mirroring nature's explosive forces through undulating forms and varied spatial experiences. This thoughtful integration of functionality and narrative creates an engaging environment for all who enter.

Building Volumes
The museum is composed of two distinct parts: a larger section dedicated to the main exhibition spaces and offices, and a smaller portion that includes a restaurant and VIP rooms. This difference in scale creates visual interest and facilitates a diverse flow of movement within the building. Visitors begin their journey at the entrance on Route 1, moving through a central plaza and into the main lobby space.

Spatial Organization
Exploration and interaction are central to the design, organized to guide visitors throughout the facility. From the reception area, individuals ascend an escalator in a tunnel that leads to the exhibition hall. Curved walls define interconnected spaces, establishing a sense of continuity while allowing for flexibility in how exhibitions are displayed. The height variations in the ceilings contribute to a lively atmosphere, accommodating various display needs without disrupting the overall design.

Materiality and Structural System
Materials are an essential component of the design, particularly the "Fat Wall System." This system uses self-supporting drywall construction, allowing flexibility in display arrangements and integrating necessary technologies. With a thickness of one meter, these walls enable reconfiguration for different curatorial approaches, reinforcing the museum's functionality while enhancing its architectural presence.

Circulation and Access
The layout prioritizes operational efficiency with multiple access points for visitors and staff. Elevators located in the southwest and southeast sections, along with staircases leading to open office spaces, create smooth movement throughout the building. This arrangement emphasizes accessibility and enhances the independence of each area within the museum.

The design fosters a connection with the surrounding geological landscape, engaging visitors with its fluid forms and intentional organization. As natural light interacts with the curved walls, it heightens the sense of movement and invites exploration, allowing individuals to journey through the unique narratives presented within the museum.

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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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