Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Monolithic Structure Embraces Volcanic Landscape with Prefabricated Timber Spaces

Authors:
José Daniel Cardona, Juan Cornielles
Monolithic Structure Embraces Volcanic Landscape with Prefabricated Timber Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A monolithic structure inspired by the Hverfjall volcano integrates prefabricated timber elements, creating a coffeeshop that connects visitors with the captivating volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Monolithic structure reinforces connections to the local volcanic terrain.
02
Prefabricated timber elements enhance sustainability and construction efficiency.
03
The Cristal Room offers panoramic views, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
04
Tables and chairs are designed to mimic volcanic rock formations, enhancing the interior experience.
05
A terrace serves as a lookout, integrating nature into the coffeeshop experience.

The design is situated near the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland, which deeply influences its character. This coffeeshop is envisioned as an extension of the surrounding landscape, where the built structure harmoniously connects with the natural terrain. The overall concept focuses on creating spaces that encourage social gatherings while offering moments of solitude. It invites visitors to experience the unique volcanic features of the region.

Structural Integration

The project features monolithic materials for the basement and first-floor slabs, establishing a solid foundation that reflects the strength of the volcanic landscape. These materials create continuity between the interior and exterior spaces. Inside, tables, chairs, and the coffee bar are designed to resemble volcanic rock formations, enhancing the tactile experience of being in this environment.

Elevated Experience

The second floor is characterized by a prefabricated timber structure, providing a lighter contrast to the denser lower levels. Large glass panels define the "Cristal Room," allowing for abundant natural light. This space feels airy and open, inviting visitors to enjoy the views outside. Its design evokes the feeling of clouds above the landscape, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Spatial Dynamics

The open floor plan is supported by a carefully placed column system. This setup allows for flexible seating arrangements that can adapt to different group sizes—from individuals to larger gatherings. Spaces encourage interaction while also allowing for personal moments. A terrace enhances the experience, offering visitors views of the stunning volcanic scenery and providing an outdoor area to relax and savor their coffee.

Design Cohesion

A consistent aesthetic runs throughout the project, as the interior design mirrors the qualities of the exterior. The use of light is important, with the Cristal Room inviting guests to connect with the expansive landscape outside. The organization of spaces showcases the distinct character of the coffeeshop, creating an environment for reflection and interaction.

The design culminates in a terrace that serves as a lookout point, allowing visitors to absorb the beauty of the surrounding volcanic landscape, blending functionality with appreciation for nature.

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