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Landscaped Roof of Fair-Faced Concrete Elevates Visitor Experience Amid Volcanic Terrain

Authors:
Jiajun Tang, Bo Zhang, Tianqi Dong, Botao Zhang
Landscaped Roof of Fair-Faced Concrete Elevates Visitor Experience Amid Volcanic Terrain

Project in-detail

A flake-shaped roof adorned with integrated green spaces defines this structure, harmonizing with the surrounding volcanic landscape while serving as a multifunctional exhibition space and offices.
5 key facts about this project
01
A flake-shaped roof accommodates diverse plant life and water features.
02
The design incorporates an ecological green space as a transition zone.
03
The building aligns along an east-west axis for optimal volcanic views.
04
Fair-faced concrete is the sole material used for the structure.
05
Height reaches 10.5 meters, with a total area of 2,238 square meters.

The Hill of Aurora is a project that embodies the idea of a volcanic formation, blending into its natural surroundings to create a structure that appears to rise directly from the land. Located in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, it serves as both an exhibition space and offices for visitors and staff. The design features a mountain-like shape, highlighted by curves that reflect the organic patterns found in nature.

Design Concept

The inspiration for The Hill of Aurora comes from the vision of a volcanic body, resulting in a form that integrates with the terrain rather than dominating it. The northern section of the site is designated as a parking area, separated from the building by an ecological green space. This design choice enhances the experience for visitors as they approach the structure through a landscaped pathway, which creates a smooth transition into the built environment.

Roof Design

One of the most notable aspects of the design is the flake-shaped roof. This feature not only draws the eye but also encourages exploration. The roof symbolizes the concept of Aurora and serves a practical purpose by offering access to elevated views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can ascend the steps leading to the roof, where they encounter a three-dimensional experience enriched by a variety of plants and water elements, adding depth to the overall design.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the building is organized with clear divisions among different areas, arranged along an east-west axis. This layout optimizes views of the nearby volcano and ensures that exhibition spaces and office areas receive natural light. The design blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors, creating a connection to the landscape. With a total area of 2,238 square meters and a height of 10.5 meters, the two-story structure presents an engaging presence within its surroundings.

Materials and Structure

The primary construction material used is fair-faced concrete, which balances durability with a natural appearance. This choice reinforces the design’s connection to the environment. The vertical walls and the distinctive roof shape emphasize the structural concept while maintaining harmony with the natural elements around it. This material selection supports the architectural vision while also reflecting the cultural context of the region.

The roof, highlighted by carefully positioned lighting, takes on a new character at night. It becomes a gentle beacon that interacts with the landscape, mirroring the stars above and enhancing the overall experience of the 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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