Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Framing Nature Through Volcanic Masses and Water Spaces

Authors:
Ye Been Lee, Yeon Park, Jung Won Park
Framing Nature Through Volcanic Masses and Water Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Five distinct volcanic masses integrated with reflective water spaces create an immersive experience in Iceland's landscape, inviting visitors to engage with the geological processes that shape the environment while serving as an exhibition space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five distinct masses represent different stages of volcanic formation.
02
Reflective water spaces enhance visitor interaction with the landscape.
03
Design emphasizes the geological narrative of Iceland's terrain.
04
Organic shapes create a seamless connection between built and natural elements.
05
Framing design encourages contemplation of the environment beyond the boundaries.

The design is situated in the stunning landscape of Iceland, aiming to create a space that connects visitors with the surrounding nature. It focuses on the accessibility of the outdoors, contrasting the routine structures found in busy cities. The design invites exploration and highlights Iceland's geological features, particularly the formation of volcanoes. By integrating these elements into the natural environment, it encourages engagement and provides an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the landscape.

Design Concept

The main idea of the design revolves around five separate masses, each illustrating different stages in the formation of volcanoes. This layout allows for changes in elevation and incorporates water features, making use of the site’s natural topography. The forms act as key points in the experience, guiding movement and interaction. Visitors are encouraged to explore and engage with the features both physically and visually as they navigate through the space.

Spatial Interaction

The way the five masses are framed is another important aspect of the design. Each mass directs attention to specific natural features, encouraging visitors to consider what is contained within the boundaries of the structure and what lies beyond. This creates a relationship between the built elements and the expansive nature surrounding them. The arrangement fosters an immersive experience, prompting reflection on how humans relate to their environment and the geological forces at work in shaping it.

Surface and Water Elements

In addition to the solid forms, the design incorporates water spaces that complement the masses and add a sense of movement to the overall layout. These water features create a connection between the solid and fluid elements, encouraging interactions that enrich the experience. The presence of water not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also serves to emphasize its significance in the geological context of Iceland. The reflective surfaces allow for varying visual experiences, inviting visitors to engage with both the natural and the constructed.

The design creates a carefully considered experience that merges human activity with natural forces, allowing for meaningful interaction with the landscape. Each architectural mass stands as a reminder of natural processes, offering visitors multiple ways to engage and interpret their surroundings. The result is a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between nature and architecture in a unique geographical setting.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 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