Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

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.
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 16,979 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