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White Corrugated Structure Emphasizing Geological Features for Visitor Engagement

Author:
Youngil Kim
White Corrugated Structure Emphasizing Geological Features for Visitor Engagement

Project in-detail

Bright white corrugated walls define a visitor service station set against a geological landscape, guiding exploration of nearby caves while enhancing the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bright white corrugated walls enhance visibility in a natural setting.
02
Modules align with geological features to guide visitors intuitively.
03
Glass blocks create a warm atmosphere while allowing natural light.
04
Design prioritizes visitor engagement with nearby caves and landscapes.
05
Detachable modules offer flexibility for future adaptations and uses.

The service station is located in an area where the North American Plate meets the Eurasian Plate, creating a unique geological landscape. This setting influences both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design, which aims to facilitate visitor interaction with the nearby caves. The overall concept focuses on improving functionality while establishing a meaningful relationship with the natural environment.

Design Concept

Linear modules have been integrated into the landscape, aligning with the geological crack to guide visitors toward the cave entrances. This modular arrangement provides clarity and ease of navigation for those exploring the area. Each element serves a purpose and enhances the overall experience, allowing the service station to function as both a helpful facility and an architectural feature that complements its surroundings.

Architectural Elements

Two distinct modules form a tower, finished with bright white corrugated walls. This choice of material serves to enhance visibility of the structure within the landscape. The design aims to create a space that is not only practical for visitors but also visually appealing, connecting the built environment to the natural beauty around it.

Materiality and Light

The building consists of utility modules designed for various visitor amenities. Glass blocks are used selectively to allow natural light to filter into interior spaces. This design decision creates a welcoming atmosphere and helps maintain comfort indoors. The incorporation of transparency strengthens the connection between the indoor experience and the exterior landscape, highlighting the area's natural features.

Spatial Transition

The service station emphasizes the importance of visitor transition from the built environment to nature. It functions as a point of entry for exploration rather than just a temporary stop. The thoughtful arrangement of modules and pathways encourages movement, allowing visitors to engage with the geological formations nearby. This careful consideration results in a design that respects and enhances the beauty of the natural surroundings, with each structural element thoughtfully contributing to the overall experience.

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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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