About this story
Written by Daniela Andino, the feature considers how volcanic landscapes influence architecture at different scales. It discusses Gîte du Volcan on Réunion Island, designed by Altitude 80 Architecture and Atelier Épicéa, as a compact, self-sufficient lodge for up to 100 guests, using curved forms inspired by corded basaltic lava, weathering steel, locally sourced cryptomeria, solar energy, and rainwater collection. Other examples include Tree Hut on Volcano by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP in Japan; Volcano House near Puerto Varas, Chile, credited to Br-Arquitectos and Pilar Beltrán; Lavaflow 7 by Craig Steely Architecture in Hawai‘i; Lava House by Paul Weiner | DesignBuild Collaborative in Arizona; and SP(R)INT Studio’s 2024 intervention at Iceland’s Stöng ruins. The article credits Loris Gazut for the Gîte du Volcan photographs, Koji Fujii / TOREAL for Tree Hut on Volcano, Nacho Almonacid Fernández for Volcano House, Bruce Damonte for Lavaflow 7, Liam Frederick Photography for Lava House, and Claudio Parada Nunes for the Stöng Ruins images. The individual lead architects credited in the article’s project references include Julien Gemehl and Samuel Gautier (Gîte du Volcan), and the respective practices’ named project credits; see the article for each project’s attribution.
Status and timeline
ArchDaily published the feature on September 29, 2026. It surveys completed projects, including Gîte du Volcan, delivered in 2024, and a 2024 intervention at the Stöng ruins; it does not announce a new building commission or opening.
Design highlights
The feature contrasts buildings oriented toward volcanic summits, elevated above volcanic gases, positioned on old lava flows, or constructed with volcanic aggregate. It also highlights off-grid energy and water systems, landscape restoration, and a raised protective shelter that preserves archaeological ruins while maintaining views to the valley.
