Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Panoramic Glass and Ecological Mortar Blend in Sustainable Visitor Center Design

Author:
David Marchiori
Panoramic Glass and Ecological Mortar Blend in Sustainable Visitor Center Design

Project in-detail

Showcasing ecological mortar and panoramic glass, the Visitor Center harmonizes with its volcanic landscape while providing an engaging hub for cultural exploration and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates ecological mortar crafted from local materials to blend with the surrounding volcanic landscape.
02
Features a unique bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability and visual interest.
03
Utilizes extensive panoramic glass to maximize natural light and provide immersive views of the environment.
04
Includes flexible interior spaces designed for cultural exhibits and community activities, adaptable for various events.
05
Integrates an underground auditorium for enhanced acoustics while minimizing visual impact on the landscape.
The Visitor Center is a thoughtfully designed architectural project located within a unique geological context that promotes harmony between the built and natural environments. This project effectively serves as a point of entry for visitors, providing information, cultural experience, and engagement with the stunning landscape it inhabits. The design reflects an emphasis on sustainability, integrating local materials and architectural techniques that resonate with the surrounding terrain.

At the heart of the project’s concept is a desire to create a structure that feels as though it emerges naturally from the ground. The building comprises three distinct volumes that evoke the local boulders and rock formations, establishing a visual dialogue with the landscape. This design approach symbolizes a profound respect for nature, highlighting how human-made structures can coexist with their environments without dominating them.

The primary function of the Visitor Center is to facilitate a range of activities that enhance the visitor experience. It includes reception areas for orientation, exhibit spaces for showcasing local culture and geology, and multipurpose rooms that can host various events. The layout is organized to encourage movement and exploration, creating connections between different spaces while seamlessly guiding visitors through their journey.

The design thoughtfully incorporates various architectural elements that support its functionality. Large glass windows frame panoramic views of the landscape, allowing natural light to flood the interior and providing visual connectivity to the outside world. This choice reinforces the relationship between the interior spaces and the natural environment, allowing visitors to feel immersed in their surroundings regardless of whether they are indoors or outside.

Additionally, the use of ecological mortar and concrete cladding, made from locally sourced materials, exemplifies the project’s commitment to sustainability. These materials not only define the aesthetic quality of the structure but also contribute to its resilience against the regional climate. The selection and application of these elements reflect careful consideration of durability and maintenance, ensuring the building will serve its purpose for years to come.

The Visitor Center’s unique design approaches are particularly noteworthy. The project features dynamically organized spaces that cater to various visitor needs, such as an information desk, cultural exhibition areas, an auditorium, and service facilities. This thoughtful planning enables the center to function as a hub of community engagement, education, and relaxation, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

In addition to its functional aspects, the building’s architecture emphasizes experiential pathways, connecting different levels and areas in a fluid manner. This intricate spatial organization invites exploration, encouraging visitors to engage with the space in a natural and intuitive way. The combination of various heights and perspectives allows for a continued sense of discovery throughout the visit.

The Visitor Center is not merely a place to gather information; it stands as a testament to the potential of architectural design to foster connection between people and nature. Each design decision is anchored in principles that prioritize sustainability, local culture, and environmental awareness. By carefully addressing the relationship between architecture and its geographic context, the project sets a precedent for similarly ambitious designs in other locations.

To gain a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, including specific architectural plans, architectural sections, and additional architectural designs that illustrate these ideas effectively, viewers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. Such insights will enrich appreciation for how this project fulfills its purpose while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape and community.
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 16544 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