Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reflective Geothermal Structure with Cantilevered Glass Elements and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Jc Franco
Reflective Geothermal Structure with Cantilevered Glass Elements and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Incorporating mirrored surfaces and geothermal features, the structure enhances its natural surroundings while providing diverse community spaces for leisure and cultural engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates geothermal heating systems for energy efficiency.
02
Features a cantilevered design that enhances views across the landscape.
03
Utilizes mirrored surfaces to reflect surrounding natural elements.
04
Combines varied programmatic spaces for community interaction and cultural events.
05
Employs a minimal footprint to reduce environmental impact.

The architectural project [IMP] is situated within the diverse landscape of Iceland, designed to harmonize with its natural environment while fulfilling multiple functional roles. The structure is characterized by an innovative use of materials, including glass, concrete, and mirrored surfaces. The concept is built on the idea of creating a dynamic interaction between the building and its surroundings, fostering a connection with the unique geological features of the area.

An observation deck, restaurant, gallery, and cinema theater comprise the building's primary programmatic elements, promoting both cultural engagement and leisure activities. The design enables visitors to experience panoramic views, while the varied interior spaces cater to community needs and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Architectural Innovation and Materiality The use of glass as the predominant material in the façade not only provides transparency but also reflects changes in light and weather, allowing the building to shift visually throughout the day. This feature is significant in its ability to blend into the environment, as reflections of the landscape merge with the physical structure. The use of concrete anchors the design, offering stability while contrasting with the lightweight quality of glass.

Mirrored surfaces are employed to create visual distortions and to make the structure appear to integrate with its surroundings, challenging the traditional notions of building presence within the landscape. This particular design approach provides a unique spatial experience, as the incorporation of reflective materials engages the viewer in an ongoing dialogue with the natural scenery.

Programmatic Diversity and User Engagement The project effectively addresses varying user needs through an intelligent layout that supports community interaction. The integration of diverse spaces, including the gallery and cinema theater, enables cultural activities that enhance the local environment, making it a multifunctional hub for visitors and residents alike. Additionally, the observation deck serves as a focal point, inviting guests to engage with the expansive Icelandic vistas.

This project’s design encourages an immersive experience that responds to the geographical context. The fluid circulation paths allow for exploration within the building, further enhancing visitor engagement with the landscape while promoting ease of movement among different functional areas.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the [IMP] project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This resource offers deeper insights into the architectural elements and the thinking behind the design, providing an opportunity to appreciate its full context and functionality.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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