Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Burnt Wood Facade Framing Views of Hverfjall and Lake Mývatn

Authors:
Ana lucia Rehermann ezeiza, Maria emilia Rodríguez vienés
Burnt Wood Facade Framing Views of Hverfjall and Lake Mývatn

Project in-detail

A burnt wood facade complements the cylindrical form while framing panoramic views of Hverfjall and Lake Mývatn, creating an engaging space for visitors to explore the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A cylindrical form enhances wind resistance while maintaining aesthetic simplicity.
02
The central patio creates uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Caves integrated into the structure serve both as access points and natural framing devices.
04
The burnt wood facade offers durability while contributing to the building's visual contrast.
05
Strategic positioning aligns the structure with key geological landmarks, enhancing visitor experience.

The design integrates a cylindrical form with a central patio, establishing a tourist attraction that fits cohesively within its natural setting. Situated among unique rock formations, the structure employs an autonomous geometry that works well with its surroundings. The design aims to help visitors reconnect with nature, offering an experience that honors the site's characteristics while providing practical space.

Site Integration

The arrangement of spaces emphasizes the visitor's experience as they explore the interior. Caves within the structure facilitate access and frame important natural features: the Hverfjall volcano, Lake Mývatn, and the Black Lava Field. This thoughtful placement enhances the interaction between the building and the landscape, making the visit more engaging.

Central Patio Design

A key aspect of the design is the central patio, which includes a slight unevenness that allows for 360-degree views, free from disruption by moving visitors. This element not only encourages engagement with the landscape but also serves as an important focal point. It enriches the overall design by inviting exploration and highlighting the relationship between the building and its surroundings.

Material Selection

The facade is made from burnt wood, which gives the exterior a distinctive look. This material choice creates an opaque surface that contrasts with the transparency of the views from the patio. Such a duality allows natural light to enter the interior while offering shelter and maintaining a connection to the environment outside.

The form reflects a balance between simplicity and complexity, encouraging visitors to appreciate both the design and the natural features of the site. The way spaces open up to views creates a rich ambience that invites contemplation of the natural world.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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