Architectural Cases

The Volcano-In Visitor Center, conceptualized by PLAT ASIA, embodies a profound architectural response to its geological surroundings. Situated within a 150,000-year-old C-shaped extinct volcano, the project seamlessly blends with the natural contours of the Baiyinkulun Steppe. Its design prioritizes a harmonious coexistence between human intervention and the volcanic landscape, encouraging visitors to engage with the natural environment through carefully crafted pathways and viewpoints. The center serves as a testament to sustainable design, utilizing local materials and innovative construction methods to not only protect the site but also enhance its ecological resilience.

The facility represents the initial phase of the Baiyinkulun Steppe & Volcano Tourism Resort, a testament to thoughtful development in a unique natural setting. Its construction on a previously disturbed site showcases a commitment to environmental rehabilitation, transforming a scar on the landscape into a hub for appreciation and education. By integrating with the volcanic form through a curved roof structure and interconnected circular volumes, the building echoes the powerful geometry of its natural inspiration. This architectural marvel offers a holistic experience, allowing guests to explore exhibition areas, enjoy a cafe, and take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding steppes, sandy lands, and lakes.

Architectural Integration and Environmental Sensitivity

PLAT ASIA's design for the Volcano-In Visitor Center showcases a deep understanding of its natural context. The project is an architectural intervention that respects and complements the geological features of the Baiyinkulun Steppe. By mirroring the C-shaped form of the extinct volcano and utilizing a curved roof structure with three circular volumes, the building creates a seamless spatial dialogue with its surroundings. This integration extends to the use of local volcanic stone and weather-resistant materials, ensuring the structure's resilience against the harsh temperate continental climate, characterized by strong winds and extreme cold. The visitor center acts as a gateway to the region's diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and lakes, while promoting ecological recovery and minimizing further environmental impact.

The core concept behind the visitor center revolves around the volcano as a dominant formal and experiential reference. The continuous, winding corridor, stretching 274 meters, allows visitors to embark on a journey that encircles the volcanic ash ring, offering curated views of the steppe, sandy land, and other volcanoes. This path leads to a crater-like enclosure housing essential visitor services, exhibition spaces, a cafe-bookstore, and administrative offices. The incorporation of outdoor spaces, such as a courtyard for temporary events and an open square for outdoor theater, further enhances the visitor experience, connecting people directly with the landscape. The building's curved profile and extended roof eaves are not merely aesthetic choices but functional elements designed to mitigate wind pressure, prevent snow accumulation, and protect outdoor areas, demonstrating a thoughtful response to the challenging climatic conditions of the Baiyinkulun region.

Sustainable Design and Ecological Preservation

The Volcano-In Visitor Center stands as a model of sustainable design, prioritizing ecological preservation and environmental resilience. Built on a previously excavated site, the project actively contributes to stabilizing the terrain and limiting further erosion. The architectural strategy focuses on a low-intervention approach, using locally sourced volcanic stone for pathways and public squares, which visually and materially integrates the structure with the volcanic ground. This commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by the building's robust construction, including weather-resistant metal panel cladding to ensure thermal performance against winter lows of -43°C, reducing energy consumption and maintaining indoor comfort.

Beyond its structural integrity, the center's design thoughtfully addresses visitor interaction with the fragile ecosystem. The controlled circulation path around the ash ring minimizes disturbance to the natural environment, while strategically placed glass curtain walls offer continuous visual connection between the interior and the external volcanic terrain without direct exposure. The provision of eco-bleachers on the eastern slope not only offers seating but also integrates seamlessly with the landscape, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. This project exemplifies how modern architecture can serve as a catalyst for ecological awareness and preservation, providing public access and educational opportunities within a sensitive natural site while maintaining a minimal physical footprint.

Along the serene shores of Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland, a distinctive timber structure named Lacum Respira, conceived by .ket bureau, gently nestles within a landscape celebrated for its rich seasonal traditions and a long-standing appreciation for outdoor pursuits. This architectural creation sensitively acknowledges its breathtaking surroundings, where the expansive lake serves as both an immediate focal point and a distant vista. The tranquil setting is characterized by its open-air ambiance and majestic mountain backdrop, making every architectural gesture profoundly significant. This initiative strives for an organic integration with the environment through its selection of materials and its strategic placement along the waterfront.

In crafting this lakeside sanctuary, the designers at .ket bureau undertook an in-depth study of St. Moritz's indigenous wooden buildings, meticulously analyzing their proportions and roof designs. The outcome is a structure that reinterprets these traditional elements through a contemporary lens, presenting a long, low profile that delineates the boundary between solid ground and water. The pavilion gracefully adapts to the natural contours of the land, allowing the topography to dictate its shape and cross-section. This approach yields a form that harmonizes with the visual rhythm of the landscape, featuring sloping surfaces that echo nearby landforms and precisely positioned openings that offer sweeping views across the Engadin lake.

The pavilion's design facilitates a natural progression from more enclosed areas to open terraces and a pier, ensuring a fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces. Expansive glazing is critical in shaping the visual experience, allowing abundant natural light to penetrate deep into the structure and reflecting the lake’s dynamic surface onto interior walls throughout the day. The interplay of varying ceiling heights and enclosures further enhances spatial diversity, ranging from large communal areas to intimate zones dedicated to relaxation. The pier extends from the main structure, serving as a vital link between the urban edge and the lake, guiding visitors towards expansive views. Moreover, accessible roof areas provide elevated vantage points, reinforcing the pavilion's profound connection with the lake as a vibrant, living entity. The constant interplay of water, air, and light with the structure profoundly influences the architectural experience, adapting beautifully with the changing weather and seasons.

The essence of this project is deeply rooted in wood, which defines both its structural integrity and its aesthetic appeal. The primary structural framework is crafted from locally sourced ash, chosen for its exceptional strength and thermal properties, while larch, known for its resilience, is utilized in the pier and vertical supports, making it ideal for the lakeside environment. The use of natural oils and protective finishes, specifically chosen for alpine conditions, ensures the longevity of the materials, allowing them to age gracefully while maintaining subtle variations in character. Furthermore, the reliance on natural ventilation and daylight significantly reduces the need for mechanical systems, aligning the pavilion's environmental performance with its understated yet sophisticated design philosophy. This holistic approach ensures that the pavilion not only serves its functional purpose but also enhances the natural beauty of its surroundings, promoting a harmonious coexistence between human design and the natural world.