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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

Project in-detail

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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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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