Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Floating Glass Boxes Among Basalt Cliffs with Central Observation Hub

Authors:
Jeeva Ravi, Hajmal Sayic Dhawoodhu AS
Floating Glass Boxes Among Basalt Cliffs with Central Observation Hub

Project in-detail

Floating above the rugged landscape, glass viewing boxes reflect the region’s basalt cliffs, while a central hub connects visitors to the geological significance of the site, serving as an interactive observation point for exploration and appreciation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating viewing boxes provide panoramic views while reflecting the natural rock formations nearby.
02
The central hub symbolizes the tectonic processes beneath the surface, enhancing visitor engagement.
03
Concentric cycling paths facilitate exploration of the surrounding geological landscape.
04
Glass elements allow natural light to permeate the spaces, connecting indoors and outdoors.
05
Layouts designed to mirror the fissure's dimensions emphasize the site's geological significance.

The design emerges from the geological landscape of South Iceland, where tectonic features play a significant role. Two structures rise from either side of a fissure created by the separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The project aims to harmonize with the natural environment. It provides visitors with a way to engage with the unique geological traits of the area while promoting exploration and appreciation.

Verticality and Geological Inspiration

The architectural forms draw inspiration from the natural verticality present in the region. The basalt cliffs are a defining characteristic of Iceland's landscape. The towers incorporate these vertical elements, creating a connection with the existing topography. This relationship ensures that the structures reflect and respect their natural surroundings, enhancing the overall experience of the site.

Central Hub and Visitor Interaction

At the center of the design is a hub that acts as a gathering place for visitors. This space symbolizes the heart of the structure and connects users to the geological activities beneath the earth's surface. Surrounding the hub are pathways and observation points, which facilitate movement and interaction. By designing cycling paths in concentric circles, the project invites people of all ages and abilities to explore the landscape in an engaging way.

Floating Viewing Boxes

Floating viewing boxes, positioned to mirror the natural rock formations nearby, enhance the visitor experience. These structures offer opportunities for panoramic views, allowing users to take in the vastness of the landscape. The careful placement of these boxes strengthens the connection between the built forms and the environment, making nature an integral part of the visit.

The inclusion of glass in these viewing boxes ensures that natural light permeates the space. This transparency allows for clear sightlines to the surrounding areas. It promotes interaction with the stunning landscape while grounding the design in its geological context. The thoughtful details enhance the design’s overall purpose, inviting individuals to connect with the remarkable setting.

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