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 Gridshell Embracing Tectonic Landscapes as a Visitor Center

Author:
Yannick Datzer
Geothermal Gridshell Embracing Tectonic Landscapes as a Visitor Center
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A self-stiffening gridshell mirrors the contours of Iceland's tectonic landscape, providing sustainable geothermal heating for a visitor center that enhances the experience of the region's natural hot springs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Self-stiffening gridshell structure reduces material use while providing stability.
02
Geothermal heating system utilizes natural hot springs for energy efficiency.
03
Negative outline of a cave enhances integration with the surrounding landscape.
04
Fragmented exterior patterns reflect local geological features.
05
Visitor center designed to facilitate educational engagement with local geology.

The Iceland Cave Tower, known as "2Friends," is located in a unique volcanic region of Iceland where two tectonic plates meet. The building serves as a visitor center and café, providing an opportunity for guests to connect with the natural beauty around them. The design concept centers on integrating the look of caves and the unique geological features of the area, inviting visitors into a space that feels part of the landscape.

Design Integration
The tower takes on the negative shape of a cave, allowing it to rise naturally without overpowering the surroundings. This design choice creates a connection with the environment, guiding visitors from the hot springs to the tower with ease. The building’s form shifts and adapts, enhancing the experience as people move through the space.

Functional Spaces
Inside the tower, a café and information center welcome visitors, offering a place to learn about the local geology and culture. These areas encourage interaction and engagement, providing valuable insights into the region's natural features and historical context. Visitors can easily access bathing areas and an open cave, while a viewing platform showcases stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability Considerations
The building embraces an environmentally friendly approach through geothermal heating sourced from the hot springs. This method not only warms the interior but also ensures that filtered water is available for drinking. This commitment to sustainability reflects an awareness of the environment and the importance of preserving natural resources.

Materiality
Constructed using a self-stiffening gridshell, the tower remains stable while maintaining a lightweight structure. The exterior showcases fragmented patterns that mirror the area's geological characteristics, visually linking the building with its environment. This attention to detail emphasizes the relationship between the natural and built landscapes, grounding the project in its Icelandic context.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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

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

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