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 Immersion Within Scaled Hverfjall Crater Experience

Author:
Quentin Blaising
Geothermal Immersion Within Scaled Hverfjall Crater Experience
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With a geothermal power plant integrated beneath its structure, the design offers an immersive experience of Hverfjall crater while serving as a museum and educational center that highlights Iceland's unique geology and sustainability practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal power plant located beneath the museum generates heat and electricity.
02
Designed as an immersive experience within a scaled-down version of Hverfjall crater.
03
Linear pathways guide visitors, transforming hiking into a learning journey.
04
Incorporates hiking shelters that blend with the surrounding landscape.
05
Draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses for cultural connection.

House in the Crater is located in Iceland’s unique volcanic landscape. The design connects cultural heritage with sustainable practices, serving both as a museum and a center for interactive learning. It draws inspiration from traditional turf houses, establishing a strong bond with the geological context. The concept involves reshaping the ground to create spaces that provide immersive experiences for visitors.

Geothermal Integration
A key feature is the geothermal power plant, which sits beneath the museum. This facility supplies electricity and heat, illustrating the commitment to sustainability. The steam produced flows through the crater, creating an immersive atmosphere within a smaller replica of Hverfjall crater. This design encourages visitors to engage with the geothermal characteristics of the landscape.

Visitor Experience
The layout of the building includes a pathway that directs visitors towards the volcano, promoting interaction between the structure and its natural surroundings. This approach redefines a typical hiking experience, turning it into a learning journey. As people walk the path, they gain insight into Iceland’s geology and natural history.

Hiking Shelters
Alongside the museum, hiking shelters have been added to enhance the overall experience within the Icelandic terrain. These structures are meant to blend with the landscape, inviting exploration and outdoor activities. By complementing the main building, they contribute to a unified visitor experience that fosters both cultural understanding and appreciation for nature.

The alignment with traditional architectural practices suggests a potential use of earth-based and natural materials. This connection enhances the conversation between the built environment and the landscape. Design details allow natural light and geothermal features to enrich the visitor experience, creating an inviting atmosphere.

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