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Volcanic Columns Embracing a Phoenix Egg Shape in a Natural Landscape Museum

Author:
Ali Obidi
Volcanic Columns Embracing a Phoenix Egg Shape in a Natural Landscape Museum

Project in-detail

Surrounded by volcanic stone columns, a central egg shape symbolizes the Phoenix, creating an immersive museum experience that connects visitors with the stark beauty of natural landscapes and mythological narratives.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum's design incorporates five volcanic stone columns that function as structural elements and artistic features.
02
A central egg shape symbolizes the Phoenix, emphasizing themes of rebirth and resilience.
03
Natural-looking volcanic stone spikes surround the egg, enhancing the protective aspect of the design.
04
The layout promotes easy circulation between the five key natural attractions, fostering visitor engagement.
05
Elevations and sections reflect varying height dynamics, creating a strong visual connection with the landscape.

Lavenix is a museum designed to bring together five important natural features: volcano, hot springs, cave, lava, and natural views. The setting highlights these geological elements while incorporating the myth of the Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and strength. The design prominently features an egg shape, representing the Phoenix’s egg, surrounded by forms that echo volcanic characteristics.

Architectural Concept

The main idea of Lavenix emphasizes the connection between nature and mythology. Five volcanic stone columns support the central egg, serving as both structural elements and visual representations of volcanic activity. These columns engage with the surrounding landscape, inviting a relationship between the building and its environment. Natural-looking volcanic stone spikes encircle the egg, enhancing its protective presence and reinforcing the overall theme.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Lavenix is carefully designed for visitor movement and engagement. Different ground plans, upper ground plans, and multiple floors work together to allow easy circulation between the various attractions. This organization supports interaction with the museum’s features and promotes accessibility throughout the space. Pathways are clearly defined, guiding visitors as they explore the different exhibits.

Circulation Elements

The site plan includes critical circulation features like bus stops and main streets that facilitate access to the museum. The arrangement of visitor and staff facilities is thoughtful and practical, ensuring smooth movement within the building. This attention to detail helps create a welcoming and functional environment for everyone, encouraging participation and exploration.

Elevational Dynamics

A study of the elevations reveals careful attention to height variations in the design. The North and East elevations provide insights into how the structure interacts visually with its surroundings. Sections of the building further illustrate its spatial relationships. Natural light is intentionally incorporated, fostering a connection between indoor spaces and the outside landscape.

The central egg, inspired by the Phoenix, is surrounded by stone forms that reflect the volcanic landscape. This combination of features creates a museum that is not only educational but also deeply tied to its natural context. It invites visitors to engage with both the exhibits and the stories they convey, offering a rich experience for all.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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