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Volcanic Rock Structure Merging with Geothermal Landscape

Authors:
Laurianne Saffache, Barbara Pekmezian
Volcanic Rock Structure Merging with Geothermal Landscape

Project in-detail

Emerging from the landscape as a volcanic rock structure, the museum harmonizes with its geothermal surroundings while inviting visitors to explore its exhibition spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rift design divides the museum into distinct exploration areas.
02
Volcanic rock forms a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
Natural light is maximized through large openings and windows.
04
Public amenities are integrated to encourage social interaction.
05
Layout promotes an immersive experience with the environment.

The museum is designed to connect with the volcanic landscape surrounding it. Drawing inspiration from geological formations, the building rises from the earth like a volcano. This idea highlights the connection between the structure and its environment. The design aims to provide visitors with an experience that reflects the characteristics of the natural world.

Spatial Organization
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The layout of the museum encourages exploration. A rift divides the building into different sections while guiding visitors along existing pathways. This organization promotes movement through various exhibition areas, allowing people to engage with both the exhibits and the landscape. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to create a journey of discovery.

Materiality
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Volcanic rock features prominently in the design. This material connects the building to its geological context and helps maintain a cohesive visual story between the museum and its surroundings. The choice of volcanic rock not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also adds durability. It ensures that the building is in harmony with the natural features of the area.

Environmental Integration
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The design incorporates biophilic principles, which focus on connecting people with nature. Large windows and openings flood the interior with light and provide views of the landscape. This encourages a feeling of space and openness, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The result is an inviting atmosphere that enhances the experience for all visitors.

Public Amenities
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Thoughtful attention has been given to public spaces within the museum. Areas for relaxation, dining, and social interaction are incorporated throughout the design. These features make the museum a welcoming environment, encouraging visitors to stay and connect with both the exhibits and each other. The spaces are designed to be functional while complementing the overall aesthetic.

Visitors are invited to discover art while remaining aware of the landscape that surrounds them, creating a meaningful connection to both.

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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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