Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Landscaped Roof of Fair-Faced Concrete Elevates Visitor Experience Amid Volcanic Terrain

Authors:
Jiajun Tang, Bo Zhang, Tianqi Dong, Botao Zhang
Landscaped Roof of Fair-Faced Concrete Elevates Visitor Experience Amid Volcanic Terrain
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A flake-shaped roof adorned with integrated green spaces defines this structure, harmonizing with the surrounding volcanic landscape while serving as a multifunctional exhibition space and offices.
5 key facts about this project
01
A flake-shaped roof accommodates diverse plant life and water features.
02
The design incorporates an ecological green space as a transition zone.
03
The building aligns along an east-west axis for optimal volcanic views.
04
Fair-faced concrete is the sole material used for the structure.
05
Height reaches 10.5 meters, with a total area of 2,238 square meters.

The Hill of Aurora is a project that embodies the idea of a volcanic formation, blending into its natural surroundings to create a structure that appears to rise directly from the land. Located in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, it serves as both an exhibition space and offices for visitors and staff. The design features a mountain-like shape, highlighted by curves that reflect the organic patterns found in nature.

Design Concept

The inspiration for The Hill of Aurora comes from the vision of a volcanic body, resulting in a form that integrates with the terrain rather than dominating it. The northern section of the site is designated as a parking area, separated from the building by an ecological green space. This design choice enhances the experience for visitors as they approach the structure through a landscaped pathway, which creates a smooth transition into the built environment.

Roof Design

One of the most notable aspects of the design is the flake-shaped roof. This feature not only draws the eye but also encourages exploration. The roof symbolizes the concept of Aurora and serves a practical purpose by offering access to elevated views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can ascend the steps leading to the roof, where they encounter a three-dimensional experience enriched by a variety of plants and water elements, adding depth to the overall design.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the building is organized with clear divisions among different areas, arranged along an east-west axis. This layout optimizes views of the nearby volcano and ensures that exhibition spaces and office areas receive natural light. The design blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors, creating a connection to the landscape. With a total area of 2,238 square meters and a height of 10.5 meters, the two-story structure presents an engaging presence within its surroundings.

Materials and Structure

The primary construction material used is fair-faced concrete, which balances durability with a natural appearance. This choice reinforces the design’s connection to the environment. The vertical walls and the distinctive roof shape emphasize the structural concept while maintaining harmony with the natural elements around it. This material selection supports the architectural vision while also reflecting the cultural context of the region.

The roof, highlighted by carefully positioned lighting, takes on a new character at night. It becomes a gentle beacon that interacts with the landscape, mirroring the stars above and enhancing the overall experience of the environment.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 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