Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elliptical Form Constructed with Zinc-Cladding and Geothermal Systems for Community Engagement

Authors:
Nabeel Essa, Philippe De Laroche, Katie Strachan
Elliptical Form Constructed with Zinc-Cladding and Geothermal Systems for Community Engagement
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with an elliptical shape and clad in zinc, the facility utilizes geothermal systems to seamlessly integrate into its volcanic landscape while serving as a versatile community hub for cultural engagement and gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a bent A-frame design to enhance structural integrity.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved sustainability and performance.
03
Incorporates geothermal systems for energy efficiency and climate adaptation.
04
Exterior features charred wooden shingles that provide fire resistance and durability.
05
Strategically positioned to optimize panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The architectural project "Elliptical Panorama" is designed as a multifunctional gathering point that integrates itself with the natural Icelandic landscape surrounding a prominent volcanic formation. The design emphasizes lightness and openness, creating a structure that minimizes its impact on the environment while enhancing visitor interaction with the expansive views afforded by its 360-degree orientation.

The building serves several functions, including a coffee shop and an amphitheater for exhibitions and performances. It is designed to accommodate community events, enriching cultural engagement while providing a space that effectively showcases the narratives associated with the local geography and volcanology. The spatial organization is flexible, promoting adaptability to various activities, with dedicated areas for relaxation, social interaction, and learning.

Unique Design Approaches

The project's most distinctive design approach lies in its elliptical form, which is a deliberate response to the surrounding terrain. This shape not only contributes to the aesthetic coherence of the structure but also optimizes views and daylight exposure throughout the day, fostering a connection between the interior spaces and the external landscape. The design employs local materials, including timber, steel, zinc-aluminum sheeting, and concrete. These choices ensure sustainability and durability while maintaining harmony with the environment.

Sustainability is a key aspect of "Elliptical Panorama." The design integrates rainwater harvesting systems and geothermal heating solutions to reduce energy consumption and ecological impact. These systems enhance the building’s functionality year-round, ensuring comfort for visitors regardless of seasonal variations.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The interior layout is organized into discrete yet interconnected zones. The coffee shop, situated to capitalize on scenic views, fosters social interaction while providing a comfortable setting for visitors. The amphitheater, designed for versatile use, enables a range of activities from communal gatherings to artistic performances. A thoughtfully designed circulation path encourages movement through various spaces without compromising accessibility.

Overall, "Elliptical Panorama" exemplifies a considered architectural response to its environment, embracing sustainability and functionality. The project stands out through its innovation in form and material use, creating a space that resonates with the landscape it inhabits. For those interested in an in-depth exploration of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design ideas, further investigation of the project presentation is recommended.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

Media, partners and clients

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