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Geological Integration Through Textured Facades and Reinforced Concrete Structures in a Community Hub

Authors:
Tobias Liese, Paul Jahn
Geological Integration Through Textured Facades and Reinforced Concrete Structures in a Community Hub

Project in-detail

Connecting two tectonic plates through a structural bridge and textured facades of reinforced concrete, the design creates a community hub that enhances visitor interaction with the surrounding geological landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a structural bridge that connects two tectonic plates, symbolizing geological integration.
02
Textured facades replicate natural clefts, enhancing visual interaction with the surrounding landscape.
03
Materials include locally sourced basalt and reinforced concrete, ensuring durability and environmental harmony.
04
The layout promotes accessibility, with universal design principles applied throughout all public spaces.
05
An observation area is strategically positioned to restrict and then enhance views, guiding visitor exploration.

This project presents an innovative architectural design located near the Kiengaj cave, an area characterized by its unique geological features resulting from the collision of the American and European tectonic plates. The architecture responds directly to its environment, creating a functional space that integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape. The design emphasizes the relationship between built structures and the surrounding terrain, leading to a harmonious co-existence that enhances visitor engagement with the site.

The main components of the project consist of three distinct building types: a primary building, an observation area, and a recreational space. Each of these serves specific functions, including cafes, restrooms, and event spaces that serve to facilitate public interaction and enhance the visitor experience. The layout fosters a strong relationship between natural and built environments, allowing visitors to explore the area while receiving essential services.

The buildings utilize a carefully selected palette of materials, including reinforced concrete, basalt, and various forms of steel. The choice of materials is deliberate, aimed at achieving durability and establishing a tactile relationship with the nearby geological features. The design incorporates facades that reflect the natural forms of the landscape, featuring intentional cracks that echo the local topography and enhance visual connections with the surrounding environment.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets this project apart from other architectural endeavors in similar contexts is its integration of a bridge connecting the two tectonic plates. This structural element not only serves as a physical connection but also as a symbolic representation of the geological forces at play in the region. It encourages exploration and curiosity among visitors, guiding them through the experience of the site. The observation area is designed to gradually reveal views of the landscape, creating a sense of progression that enhances the overarching experience of discovery.

The building forms themselves are designed to complement the natural geography, featuring angular structures that mimic the tectonic movements and the geological history of the area. This thoughtful approach to design ensures that the architecture is not merely a backdrop but a significant part of the experience, emphasizing the narrative of the landscape.

Spatial Relationships and Accessibility

Spatial organization within the project is focused on accessibility and connectivity. Pathways are designed to encourage movement across the site while providing areas for gatherings and quiet contemplation. All buildings adhere to universal design principles, ensuring that they are accessible to individuals with varying mobility levels. The landscaping further reinforces the connection between built and natural spaces, utilizing native flora and thoughtful placement to enhance the site’s ecological integrity.

To gain deeper insights into this architectural design project, it is beneficial to explore architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that detail the structure and its unique elements. Engaging with these components will provide a comprehensive understanding of how this project intertwines architecture with the distinct characteristics of its environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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