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Volcanic Ash Structure With Organic Forms and Green Ramps

Authors:
Paolo Piscitelli, Federica Iorio, Angela Palumbo, Giandomenico Tammaro
Volcanic Ash Structure With Organic Forms and Green Ramps

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic ash, the design incorporates organic forms and green ramps, creating a cohesive space for social interaction and exhibition activities amid the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with concrete made from volcanic ash, enhancing ecological integration.
02
Features a covered courtyard that serves as a central green space connecting two functional blocks.
03
Incorporates *canons à lumière* in the roof design, maximizing natural light throughout the interior.
04
Utilizes locally-sourced wood herringbone parquet to add warmth to the first level.
05
Includes ramps for accessibility, facilitating movement between levels while promoting social interaction.

The "IN OUT VOLCANO" architectural design is situated in a landscape influenced by volcanic formations. It features a dual-block configuration that echoes the natural conical shape of a volcano. The layout integrates functional spaces on two levels, fostering interaction among visitors. The design concept highlights a strong connection to nature, directing views toward the horizon and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Design Concept

The project has sloping facades that enhance views of the natural environment, allowing both blocks to engage with the landscape. A central covered courtyard at the lower level acts as a green space, linking the two functional blocks. Ramps enable easy movement throughout the building, encouraging a flow that enhances social interaction and a sense of community.

Natural Light Integration

Natural light plays a significant role in the experience of the spaces. Light enters through slits in the facades and is further enhanced by *canons à lumière* on the roofs. This design brings warmth and brightness to the interiors while creating varied visual angles for those inside. The relationship between light and space encourages a connection to the natural surroundings, making the experience enjoyable for visitors.

Interior Spaces

The coffee area spans two levels, offering a setting for social interaction. In the courtyard, tables and chairs allow visitors to gather amid greenery. The bar area on the entrance level offers seating at the counter and in the surrounding area, with furniture designed to complement the overall aesthetic. This arrangement creates a welcoming environment that promotes engagement among visitors.

Material Selection

The choice of materials enhances the project’s ecological approach. Concrete made from volcanic ash forms the main structure, providing durability while resonating with the volcanic landscape. The external walls utilize reinforced concrete, maintaining visual continuity with the environment. Inside, the first level features locally-sourced wood herringbone parquet, which adds a warm touch, while polished concrete flooring at level -3.00 m serves a practical purpose of ensuring resilience and ease of cleaning.

The careful selection of materials supports the overall design, emphasizing a connection between the built form and its natural context. Each element works together to create an environment that invites exploration and appreciation of the landscape.

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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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