Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Etched Brass Facade Embraces Volcanic Landscape with Elevated Viewing Paths

Authors:
Dora Šterić, Stefan Slavić
Etched Brass Facade Embraces Volcanic Landscape with Elevated Viewing Paths

Project in-detail

A series of etched brass panels reflect the dynamic volcanic landscape as elevated pathways guide visitors through a carefully designed space for observation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Etched brass panels create a dynamic surface that changes with light, enhancing the visual experience of the site.
02
The building's pathways are designed to follow the natural contours of the volcanic landscape, promoting a seamless interaction with the environment.
03
Large glass walls offer unobstructed views of the surrounding terrain, blurring the line between inside and outside.
04
Passive ventilation features harness natural airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and contributing to sustainability.
05
The structure emphasizes community engagement by incorporating flexible gathering spaces that encourage social interaction among visitors.
The architectural design project situated at the base of one of the world’s largest volcanoes in Turkey presents a thoughtful integration of the built environment with its natural surroundings. This project represents a unique approach to creating a multifunctional space that serves both as a viewpoint and a gathering place for visitors seeking to connect with the diverse geological landscape. The design emphasizes harmony with its environment while fostering an experience that respects the culture and significance of the location.

The primary function of this project is to provide an elevated viewpoint that enables visitors to appreciate the stunning volcanic terrain from varying perspectives. As participants move through the space, they gain insight into the natural formations, flora, and fauna that characterize this distinctive ecosystem. The architectural design accomplishes this by positioning the building strategically along the crater’s edge, allowing for unobstructed views and enhancing the overall visual experience of the site.

Central to the project's concept is the idea of creating a dialogue between the structure and its surroundings. The design employs a series of pathways that ascend and descend, guiding visitors through a journey of discovery. Such movement not only enhances the interaction with the geography but also promotes a continual re-engagement with the environment. This spatial arrangement is a deliberate design choice that draws visitors into the landscape, encouraging them to explore different levels of elevation and viewpoints, thus reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature.

Material selection is a fundamental aspect of this project, with a focus on incorporating elements that resonate with the local context. The use of etched brass acts as a tactile surface that reflects light and creates a dynamic interplay with the atmosphere throughout the day. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, ensuring durability while the smooth, modern finish contrasts with the rugged volcanic rock. Large glass panels facilitate transparency, effectively integrating indoor and outdoor experiences and inviting natural light into the building. Steel elements provide a sleek structural support that complements the overall design, adding a touch of modernity while ensuring the building’s resilience.

The architectural designs exhibit uniqueness through their fluid forms that mimic the natural topography. Instead of imposing rigid lines, the structure deploys curves that blend with the volcanic contours, evoking a sense of organic growth. This intrinsic relationship between the building and landscape enhances the overall aesthetic, as the architecture appears to naturally emerge from the earth rather than alter it. The environmental sensitivity showcased in the design reflects contemporary practice in sustainable architecture, using elements such as wind catchers for passive ventilation and incorporating spaces for harvesting precious rainwater, thus promoting eco-friendly practices.

The project also includes designated areas for community engagement, allowing it to function beyond a mere observation point. These gathering spaces facilitate social interaction, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Visitors can enjoy activities such as educational programs and guided tours that deepen their understanding of the geological significance of the site and the broader cultural context of the region.

Overall, this architectural project exemplifies a harmonious balance between structure and nature, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It invites visitors to engage not only with the immediate landscape but also with the underlying geological history of the area, all while providing an interactive space that promotes community involvement. For those interested in examining the details of this project further, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, an exploration of the project presentation will provide invaluable insights into the architectural approach and its thoughtful execution.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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