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Exposed Concrete Forms Integrating Volcanic Landscapes in a Cultural Hub

Authors:
Franziska Ritter, Claudia Spahr
Exposed Concrete Forms Integrating Volcanic Landscapes in a Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Rising from the volcanic landscape, the building's exposed concrete form integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, creating a vital cultural hub dedicated to the education and exploration of geological history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes exposed concrete to reflect the surrounding volcanic terrain.
02
Features a geometric form based on repetitive square motifs.
03
Integrates a pathway that connects the museum with nearby hiking trails.
04
Exhibition areas are designed without windows to enhance focus on displays.
05
Omissions of a basement prioritize environmental preservation.

The Volcano Museum is located in an area characterized by volcanic landscapes, emphasizing a strong connection between the building and its natural surroundings. The design focuses on a repeating square geometry, which creates a cohesive and functional structure. The museum serves as a cultural resource, aimed at educating visitors about volcanic activity and geological history.

Design Concept
The building’s form showcases a clear geometric expression, with the square motif seen in various design elements, including windows and exhibition spaces. This repetitive geometry fosters unity and facilitates easy navigation within the building. The entrance faces east, guiding visitors from the main road directly into the heart of the museum, providing easy access to its facilities.

Spatial Arrangement
Public and semi-public spaces are well defined in the layout, ensuring that essential visitor services, such as the information desk, ticket office, and café, are conveniently situated near the entrance. This thoughtful arrangement creates a friendly environment for guests, encouraging exploration of the museum. The exhibition areas are located on the upper floor, designed without windows to maintain focus on the exhibits and enhance the viewing experience.

Integration with Nature
A significant feature of the design is its integration with the surrounding landscape. The existing pathway flows through the museum, improving the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Visitors can enjoy the natural scenery while exploring the exhibits, reinforcing the museum's role as a bridge between culture and nature in the area.

Materiality and Aesthetic
Exposed concrete is the primary building material, reflecting the ruggedness of the volcanic landscape. This choice aligns with the effort to respect the site’s topography, as the museum gently rises from the ground rather than sinking into it. The angular shapes of the structure mimic natural geological forms, fostering a dialogue between the architecture and the environment.

The entrance features a prominent staircase that connects different levels of the museum. This staircase is both functional and visually striking, guiding visitors as they move through the space and serving as a focal point in the overall design.

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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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