Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Exploring the Interaction of Black Basalt and Volcanic Stones in a Natural Visitor Center

Authors:
Marcello Bramigk bonon, Binh minh Dao, John paul Kaufel
Exploring the Interaction of Black Basalt and Volcanic Stones in a Natural Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Constructed with black basalt and rough volcanic stones, the visitor center creates an immersive experience that leads guests through a journey from a sheltered basement to expansive views of dramatic geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced black basalt and rough volcanic stones.
02
The design includes an inner courtyard that filters light into the basement space.
03
Three-sided observation rooms highlight distinct geological features.
04
Access to the upper terrace provides panoramic views of a prominent volcano.
05
Visitor engagement is emphasized through interactive exhibition areas.

The architectural design emphasizes a strong connection between people and the surrounding natural landscape, placed in an area noted for its rich geological features. The main goal is to engage visitors, encouraging them to become more aware of their environment and to recognize their place within it. The design concept focuses on creating an experience that begins outdoors and shifts into a deeper, more personal exploration as one moves inside.

Entry and Transition
Visitors enter the building through a path that slopes downward. This pathway connects the parking area to the lower level. As people descend, they prepare for a change in experience, moving from the outside world to a more introspective atmosphere inside. Once they enter, views of the environment gradually disappear, and the basement acts as a transition space that builds anticipation and enhances sensory awareness.

Spatial Configuration
The basement is a key feature, contrasting bright outdoor light with darker, enclosed spaces. This contrast sharpens the senses and reinforces the feeling of being small in the vastness of nature. The layout includes an information area and a small exhibition space, along with an inner courtyard that allows soft light to filter in, inviting curiosity about what lies ahead in the upper levels.

Viewing Experience
The design includes a staircase that leads from the basement to the main level. Each step introduces subtle changes in light and space, guiding visitors to a three-sided area that showcases three specific natural wonders. Communal spaces, such as a café and playground, are positioned to encourage interactions with unique views, further enhancing visitors' connection to the landscape.

Materiality and Interaction
Black basalt and rough-shaped volcanic stones are used because they relate closely to the local environment. The façade features carefully cut stones that distinguish the building while blending with the natural surroundings. Inside, the rough volcanic stones create an atmosphere that reflects the primal characteristics of the landscape. This allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in the experience and engage with the natural beauty of the site.

The terrace, accessible from the main area, offers wide views of the landscape, including a prominent volcano and vast lava fields. This vantage point encourages visitors to take in the scale and beauty of their surroundings, deepening their appreciation for the environment.

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