Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Angular Glass Facade with Reinforced Concrete and Sustainable Wood for Enhanced Ecological Integration

Author:
Ali Ahmadi
Angular Glass Facade with Reinforced Concrete and Sustainable Wood for Enhanced Ecological Integration

Project in-detail

An angular glass facade constructed with reinforced concrete and complemented by sustainable wood creates a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, serving as a multifaceted center for ecological education and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
An angular glass facade maximizes natural sunlight while enhancing structural stability.
02
Reinforced concrete provides durability against Iceland’s harsh weather conditions.
03
Sustainable wood elements create a warm interior atmosphere in contrast to the exterior.
04
Integrated solar panels ensure energy self-sufficiency for the facility.
05
The educational spaces include outdoor observation decks to connect visitors with nature.
The Iceland Tower Project is an architectural endeavor that integrates functionality with sustainability, situated in a region known for its striking natural beauty. This project serves as a habitat preservation center and a tourist hub, emphasizing the importance of ecological education and public engagement with the environment. By harmonizing architectural design with landscape, the tower creates a meaningful interaction between visitors and Iceland's unique ecology.

The design features a series of angled forms that reflect the rugged character of the surrounding landscape. These geometric elements are not only visually engaging but also play a crucial role in enhancing structural stability against high winds typical in the area. The project is equipped with solar panels, highlighting its commitment to renewable energy and environmental efficiency. The overall layout encourages accessibility and promotes safe interactions among visitors, prioritizing pedestrian movement throughout the site.

Sustainability as a Core Principle
What distinguishes the Iceland Tower from similar architectural projects is its unwavering focus on sustainability. The building utilizes reinforced concrete for structural integrity, ensuring its longevity and durability in harsh weather conditions. Glass elements are incorporated extensively to allow natural light to permeate the interior spaces while offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. The use of sustainable wood in interior finishes adds warmth to the space, establishing an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the exterior’s ruggedness.

Additionally, the project employs passive solar design and natural ventilation strategies that reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. This efficiency is enhanced by strategically placed openings that facilitate air circulation, creating comfortable indoor environments and further reducing energy consumption.

Functional Spaces and Circulation
The Iceland Tower is organized into multiple levels, with each floor serving distinct functions. The ground floor features essential visitor services such as a welcome area, café, and exhibition space. This design encourages an inviting and accessible atmosphere for all visitors. The first and second floors contain educational facilities that aim to raise awareness about local ecology and sustainable practices, linking indoor spaces to outdoor observation decks.

Careful attention has been given to circulation throughout the building. The integration of stairways and elevators ensures accessibility for individuals of varying mobility, while external walkways provide seamless connections to the surrounding natural environment. Parking facilities are designed to accommodate visitor vehicles without disrupting the site's ecological integrity.

The Iceland Tower Project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to modern architectural design that balances human activity with environmental stewardship. By focusing on sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement, the project serves as a model for future developments in similar ecologically sensitive areas. Explore the project presentation for more detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illustrate how this project successfully merges innovative design with ecological responsibility.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy