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Elevated Sanctuary with Steel Cables on a Volcanic Summit

Authors:
Riccardo Erata, Andrea Manzini
Elevated Sanctuary with Steel Cables on a Volcanic Summit
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Situated at the summit of a volcanic landscape, the design provides a lightweight structure that facilitates observation and interaction with the environment. Its elevated position emphasizes the surrounding terrain, offering visitors a space for reflection and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Nest is situated at a volcano summit.
02
The design emphasizes a lightweight structural approach.
03
Steel cables create the primary framework of the structure.
04
Interactive zones provide unique landscape perspectives.
05
No traditional basement to minimize soil disturbance.

The Nest is located at the summit of a volcano, designed as a lightweight structure that minimizes environmental impact while providing a safe area for observation and relaxation. The concept draws from the idea of a “human nest,” offering spaces where visitors can connect with the surrounding landscape and enjoy expansive views. Its elevated position enhances engagement with the environment, emphasizing the natural topography and vistas.

Structural Strategy
The structure is constructed without a traditional basement, reducing soil disturbance and preserving the terrain. Steel cables form the primary framework, creating a lightweight yet stable system that defines functional areas for seating and circulation. The continuous form supports multiple functions, including protection, shelter, and pathways, allowing visitors to navigate the site safely while maintaining a minimal footprint.

User Experience and Engagement
The design encourages interactive engagement through activities such as entering, climbing, and occupying different areas. Each zone within the structure offers a unique perspective of the landscape, fostering a deliberate interaction with the natural environment. Visual and spatial arrangements are designed to highlight expansive views, while materials and structural elements maintain a balance between durability, usability, and integration with the volcanic setting.

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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.

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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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