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Thermal Water Management in a Concrete Greenhouse Amidst Volcanic Landscapes

Authors:
Peter Kholkovskiy, Aglaya Van Van E
Thermal Water Management in a Concrete Greenhouse Amidst Volcanic Landscapes

Project in-detail

A greenhouse built on a concrete slab utilizes thermal water management to enhance climate control within its circular form, creating a communal space that harmonizes with the volcanic landscape while serving as a restaurant and movie hall.
5 key facts about this project
01
Greenhouse incorporates thermal water pipes for climate regulation.
02
Circular layout enhances user connectivity and exploration.
03
Inner yard fosters communal interaction and shelter.
04
Viewpoint pathway provides elevated access and landscape engagement.
05
Design inspired by nearby volcanic formations and asymmetry.

The architectural design is located in a volcanic desert landscape and features a circular structure that serves multiple functions, creating space for community interaction and engagement. The design concept revolves around the idea of a journey, emphasizing a connection to the natural environment. Rather than being just a building, it aims to be an experience for users, inviting them to explore both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Design Concept

The structure includes a continuous gallery that allows movement throughout the space. This layout promotes a smooth flow from one area to another, making it easy for visitors to navigate. The circular shape provides efficiency in space usage, encouraging exploration. Each element is designed to support various activities, facilitating a lively atmosphere.

Integration with Landscape

Large glass facades and look-through spaces help connect the interior with the outdoors. By framing views of the surrounding landscape and letting natural light in, these elements create a bridge between nature and built space. The design invites the outside in, fostering a sense of harmony between the two environments.

Central Features

An inner yard is central to the layout, acting as a gathering point for users. This communal area connects different rooms and allows for social interaction. The yard is sheltered, providing an outdoor space that can be enjoyed in various weather conditions. A roofed gallery extends this experience, allowing people to appreciate the landscape throughout the year.

Functional Versatility

The design accommodates a range of activities, including a restaurant and a movie hall, inspired by the unique shapes of nearby volcanoes. A viewpoint pathway connects the building to the volcano, offering visitors an elevated perspective of the site. This bridge not only serves as an access route but also enhances the overall experience of the landscape.

The greenhouse is a significant element of the design, built on a concrete slab that helps generate warmth for adjacent spaces. Thermal water pipes run below the walking paths, ensuring a comfortable climate. A translucent section of the roof allows sunlight to fill the space, creating a welcoming environment for visitors.

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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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