Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Volcanic Aggregate Core and Panoramic Greenhouse in a Landscape Restaurant

Author:
Bryony Johnson
Volcanic Aggregate Core and Panoramic Greenhouse in a Landscape Restaurant

Project in-detail

Built with volcanic aggregate blocks and enveloped by a glazed greenhouse, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while integrating bioclimatic design principles to enhance the dining experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Volcanic aggregate blocks are used for structural thermal mass.
02
A glazed greenhouse surrounds the core, enhancing natural light.
03
Positioned to maximize views of the lake and volcano.
04
Partially buried on the north side to minimize visual impact.
05
Two-level layout separates multipurpose and dining areas.

The restaurant is situated to the north of a lake and a volcano, creating a strong connection to the natural surroundings. Its elevated position offers expansive views for diners, enhancing their experience with a backdrop of iconic landscapes. The design draws inspiration from the nearby volcano, featuring concentric circular forms that resemble its shape. At the heart of the restaurant is a solid core that serves as the main gathering space, surrounded by layers that accommodate various functions.

Architectural Concept

The building's concept is deeply rooted in the geological characteristics of the site. By reflecting the form of the volcano, the structure establishes a strong relationship between architecture and landscape. The central core serves as a focal point, while the surrounding layers create opportunities for different activities. This arrangement allows the space to be both functional and inviting, encouraging interaction with the environment.



Glazed Greenhouse

A notable feature is the glazed greenhouse that wraps around the core. This element facilitates a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. It allows natural light to enter and helps with ventilation, contributing to the building’s sustainability. The greenhouse creates a link to the surrounding landscape, inviting the beauty of the outside in and enhancing the experience for visitors.



Materiality and Thermal Performance

Materials are essential to the design’s effectiveness. Volcanic aggregate blocks are chosen for their ability to store heat. This helps regulate the temperature inside the building throughout the year. Using this material reinforces the connection to the volcanic landscape, grounding the project in its unique setting while promoting energy efficiency.



Spatial Organization

The restaurant's layout spans two levels, with the multipurpose hall on the lower level and the dining area above. This arrangement maximizes scenic views while clearly separating service areas from guest spaces. The elevated dining area allows visitors to enjoy the impressive sights of the lake and volcano, making for a rich dining experience.

Large windows in the dining area frame views of the natural landscape and allow ample daylight to fill the space. This design choice enhances the atmosphere, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all who visit.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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