Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elevated Observation Spaces With Community Gathering Around Natural Beauty

Authors:
Yang Yu, Jia jing Cheng
Elevated Observation Spaces With Community Gathering Around Natural Beauty

Project in-detail

With a design that offers elevated viewpoints and communal gathering spaces, the structure harmonizes with its stunning natural surroundings while providing a lounge and observation experience for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual functionality as both a watchtower and lounge enhances visitor interaction with nature.
02
Elevated viewpoints provide unique perspectives of Hverfjall and Mývatn.
03
A bridge connects different areas, facilitating seamless movement across the site.
04
Sheltered atrium protects visitors from harsh winds while offering scenic views.
05
Community seating around an induction cooker encourages social engagement.

The Iceland Cave Tower is located in the remarkable geological landscape of Grjótagjá caves in Iceland. Functioning as both a watchtower and a lounge, it focuses on improving visitor interaction with the surrounding nature. The design integrates a bridge that crosses a geological crack, allowing easy access for guests to explore both sides of the site.

Design Concept

The architectural plan creates a strong connection between indoor areas and the outside landscape. The building is positioned thoughtfully, with lounges facing the stunning features of Hverfjall and Mývatn. Large glass windows in these lounges provide clear views of the environment. This openness helps visitors feel closer to the Icelandic landscape while enjoying the comfort of a sheltered area.

Functional Spaces

The lounge facing Hverfjall includes seating around an induction cooker. This setup encourages community and social interaction among visitors. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while watching the landscape shift throughout the day. A café is also present, offering a casual space for relaxation, contributing to the overall inviting atmosphere of the tower.

Visitor Experience

Height plays an important role in the design, with multiple levels offering different viewpoints. Visitors can ascend the tower to take in the area from above. The atrium provides protection from harsh winds, ensuring comfort while enjoying the sights. Additionally, a parking area on the northeast side allows for straightforward access, enhancing the arrival experience for visitors who come by car.

Design details throughout the building reflect a careful balance between nature and architecture. Spaces are arranged thoughtfully to enhance visitor enjoyment. The combination of functional elements and natural beauty enriches the connection between people and the unique landscape of Iceland.

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