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Organic Pigments and Natural Airflow in a Volcanic Landscape Dining Space

Author:
Ibrahim Joharji
Organic Pigments and Natural Airflow in a Volcanic Landscape Dining Space
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Rooted in a landscape influenced by volcanic geology, the design incorporates organic pigments and strategic airflow to create a unique dining space that reflects the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to reflect the local volcanic geology, the restaurant's form draws inspiration from natural lava flows.
02
The integration of organic pigments allows the building to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
03
Strategic airflow management enhances comfort while minimizing reliance on mechanical ventilation.
04
A greenhouse garden promotes sustainability and provides fresh ingredients for the kitchen.
05
The layout encourages social interaction among diners, fostering a sense of community.

The Lava Restaurant is located in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, a setting that heavily influences its design. The restaurant aims to create a unique dining experience by emphasizing its connection to nature. The concept is built around the properties of chemical molecules, reflecting the way lava transforms its surroundings and the landscapes it creates.

Architecture Concept

The design engages with environmental elements like climate and air. The forms of the building are meant to evoke thoughts about geological history, especially related to mountain terrain. This approach creates a multi-sensory experience, inviting visitors to enjoy not only the food but also the sights, sounds, and feelings of the space.

Functional Layout

The layout of the restaurant is thoughtfully arranged. It features a dining area that can hold up to 100 guests. This space encourages social interaction among diners. A well-designed kitchen supports the food preparation needs, while a multipurpose hall can accommodate various types of events. A greenhouse garden is also part of the design, promoting sustainability and connection to the outdoor environment.

Environmental Integration

The structure takes inspiration from the surrounding geology, particularly the crystalline forms found in volcanic rocks. This understanding helps the building to fit naturally within its environment. The orientation of the restaurant makes use of warm winds to facilitate natural ventilation, which helps reduce energy use and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Material Considerations

Although the specific materials are not extensively discussed, there is a focus on organic architectural pigments. This suggests a choice to reflect the colors found in the surrounding landscape. By paying attention to the materials used, the building strengthens its connection to the environment. The strategic placement of sunroofs allows more natural light and air into the dining space, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

The design culminates in a lively architectural form, where both light and the surrounding landscape become part of the dining experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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