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Glazed Facade and Steel Suspension in a Volcano Education Center

Author:
Analia Puigdengolas
Glazed Facade and Steel Suspension in a Volcano Education Center
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A suspended ceiling of steel panels and a glazed façade creates an engaging educational environment in a Volcano Museum, designed to enhance visitor interactions and experiences with geological themes.
5 key facts about this project
01
A suspended ceiling system allows for flexible lighting adjustments throughout the museum.
02
Observation points integrate natural views, enhancing visitor engagement with the landscape.
03
The interactive center encourages hands-on learning experiences related to volcanic activity.
04
A varied flooring system improves thermal efficiency and comfort for visitors.
05
Sliding glass panels enhance transparency while connecting indoor and outdoor environments.

The design integrates a Volcano Museum, an interactive center, and a gift shop, called Tienda de Recuerdos. Set in a location that emphasizes geological themes, the facility aims to educate and immerse visitors in the wonders of volcanoes and natural history. The design focuses on accessibility and encourages engagement, catering to a wide variety of audiences.

Building Organization

The layout features distinct areas designed for ease of navigation. Section drawings, labeled Corte B-B and Corte A-A, illustrate how visitors will move through different spaces. Each section is thoughtfully connected to promote a natural flow, whether entering the museum or exploring the interactive area. The Planta de Acceso offers a central entry point, guiding foot traffic effectively through the building.

Materiality and Structural Elements

Materials chosen for the project serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. A suspended ceiling composed of 6 mm steel panels gives an industrial feel while ensuring structural stability. The façade features sliding glass panels framed with iron carpentry, which is treated with epoxy paint. This design allows ample natural light to enter the building, creating bright and inviting spaces.

Functional Spaces

The Volcano Museum acts as the main feature, designed to engage visitors with educational content related to geology. Observation points scattered throughout the facility allow views of the surrounding landscape. These viewpoints foster a connection with nature, enhancing the learning experience. The interactive center provides additional opportunities for community programs and educational events, accommodating diverse visitor needs.

Thermal and Structural Design

The flooring system is crafted for both function and energy efficiency. Concrete and stone pavement, along with a 20 mm mortar screed, work together to manage thermal performance. A steam barrier and radiant heating panel further ensure a comfortable indoor environment. These structural elements exhibit a commitment to creating a sustainable space that supports the varied functions of the building.

Overhead, the ceiling design allows for variations in light and shadow, shifting throughout the day. This dynamic aspect heightens the sense of space as visitors explore the exhibits, making each visit a unique experience.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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