Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Geothermal Cylinder with Modular Wooden Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Lou Vincent De Lestrade, Léa Samson, Solène Pasztor
Geothermal Cylinder with Modular Wooden Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The central cylinder rises amidst modular wooden terraces, harnessing geothermal energy to provide a self-sufficient lighthouse that invites exploration and interaction with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The lighthouse features an innovative central cylinder that enhances vertical movement.
02
Modular wooden terraces allow for direct interaction with the surrounding landscape.
03
Geothermal energy systems ensure the building's self-sufficiency.
04
Inclined windows provide unique sightlines to both the sky and nearby caves.
05
Cubic volumes within the structure accommodate diverse functional spaces.

The Inland Lighthouse is a modern structure that revisits the role of lighthouses, situated prominently within a natural landscape. It functions as a guide for visitors and seafarers alike while also providing spaces for exploration and interaction with the environment. The overall design centers on a combination of geometric shapes that promote stability and establish a connection between the building and its surroundings.

Design Elements

The design features three main shapes: a triangle, cubes, and a central cylinder. The triangular form stands as the primary structure, representing stability and strength. Surrounding it are cubic volumes, which symbolize the Earth and accommodate various functional spaces within the building. This organization allows for a well-thought-out layout that serves the needs of visitors.

Vertical Connectivity

The central cylinder plays a crucial role in connecting different levels of the lighthouse. This vertical element invites visitors to ascend and take in the views from above. Moving through the space becomes an experience, allowing people to feel a connection to both the sky and the land below. It encourages exploration and interaction with the structure itself, enhancing the overall experience.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. Geothermal energy systems are integrated into the building, using natural resources for lighting and water management. The configuration of the lighthouse allows snow collected on the terraces to be turned into water, making it self-sufficient. This careful approach to resource management reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Visitor Experience

The design includes outdoor terraces that enhance the visitor experience, encouraging people to engage with the surrounding landscape. Positioned to create sightlines both down into the caves and up to the sky, the windows offer dynamic views. The pathways, made of wooden and steel slabs, guide visitors safely through the site. This attention to detail promotes exploration while ensuring a sense of security.

Through these carefully considered elements, the Inland Lighthouse redefines the traditional concept of a lighthouse. It creates a space that combines function with a friendly atmosphere, inviting people to reflect and discover as they engage with the natural world. The relationship between form, movement, and sustainability creates a unique environment that respects and engages with its context.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

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
Final registration deadline 30 September 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
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 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
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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