Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Volcanic Rock Integration with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Community-Centric Museum

Authors:
Juan sebastián Sepúlveda, Pablo Ortiz ortega
Volcanic Rock Integration with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Community-Centric Museum

Project in-detail

Crafted with volcanic rock and enveloped in a façade of cross-laminated timber and charred shingles, the museum seamlessly integrates with its landscape while serving as a vibrant cultural hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum's façade uniquely combines volcanic rock with sustainable cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural integrity.
02
A distinctive bent A-frame design facilitates optimal natural light penetration while maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used to create an aesthetically pleasing and fire-resistant exterior that complements the region's natural materials.
04
Multiple communal spaces are integrated into the design to foster community interaction and encourage engagement with cultural exhibitions.
05
Strategic landscaping around the museum enhances its integration within the volcanic terrain, creating seamless transitions between built and natural environments.
This architectural project presents a thoughtful exploration of form and function through its integration with the surrounding geological characteristics. Situated amid unique volcanic rock formations, the design embraces its context, establishing a dialogue between the architecture and the natural landscape. The goal of the project is not only to create a functional space but also to foster an enhanced experience for visitors through meaningful interactions with their environment.

The design embodies a contemporary museum that seeks to celebrate both the local culture and the visual narrative of the landscape. The architecture reflects an appreciation for geological formations, channeling the essence of natural elements while creating a modern cultural hub. The structure encourages engagement, guiding visitors on a journey that reveals various exhibition spaces, communal areas, and reflective spots that respond to their surroundings as they navigate the site.

One of the most important aspects of this architectural project is its spatial organization. The museum is designed as a series of interconnected spaces that naturally lead visitors from one experience to another. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a sense of movement and exploration, enticing visitors to wander thoughtfully through the building. Strategic placement of windows and apertures ensures that light permeates the interior, fostering a bright and welcoming atmosphere while framing the breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.

The exterior treatment of the project exemplifies a unique design approach that harmonizes with the rugged terrain. Non-parallel surfaces create intricate geometric forms, which contrast elegantly with the stark rock formations and snow-draped vistas. This architectural strategy generates a dynamic presence that invites curiosity and exploration, encouraging visitors to interact with the space and its narrative. The use of varied materials, such as white marble for its delicate appearance, steel for structural robustness, and wood to convey warmth, further enhances the spatial experience.

The incorporation of both indoor and outdoor environments facilitates a connection to nature and the surrounding geography. The museum features a public square that serves not only as an entry point but also as a gathering place for visitors. This space blurs the line between architecture and the landscape, allowing guests to engage with both the museum and the natural terrain. By integrating sculptures and installations within this outdoor area, the project fosters cultural dialogue and appreciation for the artistic expression aligned with its environmental context.

Sustainability also plays a significant role in the architectural design, with careful consideration given to passive strategies that are responsive to the local climate. Utilizing natural ventilation, maximizing daylighting, and selecting eco-friendly materials demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. These elements work together seamlessly to create an atmosphere that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and responsible.

This architectural project represents a blend of innovation and respect for its location, offering a fresh perspective on museum design. Its unique approach to integrating complex geometric forms with natural landscapes provides visitors with a distinctive experience that is both engaging and contemplative. The thoughtful execution of this project contributes positively to the cultural tapestry of the area, encouraging exploration, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for both art and nature.

For those interested in uncovering more details regarding the architectural plans, sections, and designs that define this project, we invite you to explore the full presentation. By delving into the architectural ideas showcased here, you can gain a greater understanding of how this museum seeks to harmonize the beauty of the landscape with contemporary design principles.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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