When Volcanoes Inspire Architects: 8 Hot Buildings
By James Bartolacci, Architizer, 27 February 2014.
By James Bartolacci, Architizer, 27 February 2014.
With their towering geysers of hot lava and massive plumes of ash, volcanoes have helped form entire islands and mountain ranges as well as buried villages in their flowing molten rock. Both destructive and regenerative, a volcanic eruption leaves behind cool lava rock that expands coastlines and enriches soil. But, who knew that the earth's volcanic activity could also help to slow down an eminent threat to the planet and our environment?
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience shows that an unusually high amount of volcanic eruptions over the past 14 years may have slowed down the calamitous effects of climate change. During an eruption, the large clouds of smoke release sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere, which consequently reflects sunlight back into space. (Unfortunately, this cooling effect will not last long.)
Besides acting as a regulator of global temperatures, volcanoes have long inspired the architecture of their immediate surroundings. Designers have used basalt rock, produced from cooled and hardened lava, for centuries in both active and dormant zones. Its rich, dark colours add texture to exteriors and imbue structures with warmth. Check out how volcanoes have served as inspiration for some hot contemporary structures.
1. Churchyard Offices and Staff Housing in Gufunes Cemetery by arkibúllan arkitektar - Reykjavik, Iceland
Located in the main cemetery of Reykjavik, the design for this mixed-use complex by arkibúllan arkitektar features a striking horizontal form of smooth white concrete intercut by a rectangular wall of dark basalt rock - which is formed by the rapid cooling of lava. The stacked blocks of basalt add a warmth that reflects the area's history of volcanic activity.
2. The House Cast in Liquid Stone by SPASM Design Architects - Khopoli, India
Confronted with a surrounding landscape featuring rocky volcanic deposits, SPASM Design wanted to build a home that reflected an extension of this material. While the majority of the structure is constructed in concrete, dark basalt rock clads this house's staircases and outdoor terrace to add a cool sense of calm.
3. Kemenes Volcanopark Visitor Centre by Foldes Architects - Budapest, Hungary
Some 5 million years ago, volcanic activity flourished through a large expanse of Hungary, leaving behind exceptionally rich soil that has helped increase the country's wine production. When designing a visitor centre for the Kemenes Volcanopark, Foldes Architects wanted the building to reflect the spirit of a volcano. Located on a flat plot of land over a dormant volcano, the lava-coloured corten steel and fluid arrangements of space pay homage to the site's history.
4. Povoação Municipal Pool's Complex by Barbosa & Guimarães Architects - Povoação, Portugal
Composed of a series of fragmented geometric volumes, the black basalt-cladding of this striking municipal pool complex by Barbosa & Guimarães Architects reflects the volcanic activity of the Azores - the autonomous islands of Portugal made up of nine archipelagos formed by volcanoes. Each basalt volume designates a different function of the complex, and seems to effortlessly emerge from the craggy landscape.
5. Kona Residence by Belzberg Architects - Kona, Hawaii
Nestled between cooled lava flows, the Kona Residence by Belzberg Architects integrates natural lava rock into the main volumes while providing unparalleled views of the volcanic mountain ranges of Hawaii's Big Island. A striking infinity pool built out of dark lava stone keeps the water heated via solar activity, while appearing to merge with the surrounding rocky topography.
6. Snæfellsstofa Visitor's Centre by ARKÍS Arkitektar - Skriduklaustur í Fljótsdal, Iceland
The design of the Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre by ARKÍS Arkitektar communicates the dignity of its natural surroundings - a landscape brimming with volcanic and geothermal activity. Individual volumes gently glide over the terrain and use dark materials to reflect local lava rock deposits.
7. Lavaflow 7 by Craig Steely Architecture - Pahoa, Hawaii
As if this house's location - on 5 acres of Hawaii's dense Ohia forest - weren't fabulous enough, this Lavaflow 7 residence by Craig Steely Architecture sits on the site of a 1955 lava flow on the slopes of Kilauea crater. The grey concrete house blends into the existing landscape of lava and trees, while splashes of colour inside mimic the native Lehua flower.
8. Residence in Filothei by Gem Architects - Athens, Greece
This house in Athens by Gem Architects features distinctive carved-out spaces that intensify shadows and reflect traditional Hellenic architecture, which are heightened by the use of dark lava-rock cladding in the recesses.
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