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Recycled Steel and Photovoltaic Panels Shaping a Visitor Center in a Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Arnaldo Pompei
Recycled Steel and Photovoltaic Panels Shaping a Visitor Center in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Designed with recycled steel and solar panels, this visitor center embodies sustainability while providing educational resources about the surrounding volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to operate as a nearly zero-energy building.
02
Incorporates a geothermal heating and cooling system.
03
Features a dedicated volcano exhibition zone for educational engagement.
04
Utilizes recycled steel to minimize carbon emissions in construction.
05
Includes extensive tree planting to enhance local biodiversity.

The Energy Blade visitor center is located in a unique volcanic landscape, designed to serve as an interactive space for visitors and to promote ecological awareness. The overall concept centers on sustainability, aiming to reduce environmental impact through various innovative methods. This center intends to provide an engaging experience that highlights the geological features of the surrounding area.

Design Concept

The design focuses on using prefabricated systems that streamline both construction and ongoing operation. The use of recycled steel helps lower the carbon footprint associated with traditional building processes. Such choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, allowing for a thoughtful life cycle approach that is in line with modern architectural practices.

Spatial Organization

The ground floor layout enhances visitor experience by including distinct areas such as exhibition rooms, a hall, and key amenities like restrooms and an automatic bar. This careful arrangement promotes accessibility and encourages exploration, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the various offerings. A well-planned flow of spaces ensures comfortable navigation and meaningful engagement with the educational content and the natural environment.

Technical Integration

The design incorporates essential technical systems that support its sustainability goals. A geothermal system helps optimize heating and cooling, making use of the natural geothermal energy prevalent in the volcanic region. Solar panels are also strategically placed to capture sunlight and further reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, tree planting initiatives promote biodiversity in the area, contributing to a balanced ecosystem that benefits both the building and its surroundings.

Architectural Form

The visitor center features a form that echoes the volcanic landscape, creating a visual connection with the environment. This choice allows for the maximization of natural light and air flow inside the building, enhancing the visitor experience while exploring the exhibits. The relationship between the architecture and nature highlights a commitment to harmonizing the built environment with the surrounding ecosystem, inviting visitors to connect 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.

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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