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 Heating Integration with Basalt Façade and Green Roofing for Seasonal Recreation

Geothermal Heating Integration with Basalt Façade and Green Roofing for Seasonal Recreation
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Employing a basalt façade and an integrated geothermal heating system, the structure uniquely harmonizes with the Mývatn landscape while providing a multifunctional hub for seasonal recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes local basalt stone, ensuring continuity with the surrounding geological features.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the roof, enhancing thermal performance and structural integrity.
03
A green roof is integrated to promote biodiversity and minimize visual impact on the landscape.
04
The design enables passive solar heating through strategically positioned large glass elements.
05
Interactive exhibits within the space educate visitors about the region's geology and ecology.

### Overview

Located in the Mývatn region near the Krafla Caldera in Iceland, the design is informed by the area's natural beauty and geological history. The structure aims to create a meaningful relationship between users and the environment by integrating the concepts of time, nature, and community. The project employs sustainable architectural principles to enhance functionality and aesthetics while remaining sensitive to its ecological context.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The design is inspired by the concept of a sundial, symbolizing the relationship between humans and their environment. A circular form is employed to facilitate adaptability to seasonal changes, accommodating winter sports and warm-weather activities. The architecture creates spaces that invite visitors to engage with the natural surroundings, offering a dynamic experience that reflects the passage of time.

The inverted sundial concept allows sunlight to be harnessed while providing shaded areas for visitors, reinforcing their connection to the environment. Drawing inspiration from local geological features, the structure incorporates shapes reminiscent of volcanic rootless cones, establishing aesthetic and contextual harmony with the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials is integral to both the aesthetic and sustainable aspirations of the design. The façade is constructed from local basalt, ensuring visual continuity with the landscape while providing textural contrast and interaction with light. A prefabricated wooden roof enhances thermal efficiency and adds warmth to the overall composition, counterbalancing the cool tones of the stone. Transparent glass elements establish visual connections with the surrounding nature, while a green roof promotes biodiversity and minimizes environmental impact.

### Interior Organization and Functional Zoning

The interior layout reflects a careful consideration of seasonal usage, delineating public and private spaces to support diverse activities. Functional zones are designated for relaxation, changing facilities for outdoor pursuits, and visitor engagement areas, which include interactive exhibits that highlight the region's geographic and ecological themes.

The design incorporates a low silhouette, optimizing airflow and natural light, and utilizes an underfloor geothermal heating system to enhance energy efficiency. An intuitive circulation system guides users seamlessly through public areas while preserving privacy, fostering an interconnected experience with both the built structure and the natural features of the site.

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
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