Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rotatable Shelter With Polyester Roof Overlooking Volcanic Crater

Author:
Yang Song
Rotatable Shelter With Polyester Roof Overlooking Volcanic Crater

Project in-detail

The movable staircase and rotatable shelter, constructed with a polyester roof, provide visitors with dynamic access to breathtaking views of the volcanic crater, enhancing the experience of this unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable staircase allows 30-degree rotation for varied viewing heights.
02
Rotatable building structure enables 360-degree views of the volcanic crater.
03
Sheltered inner space designed for year-round visitor comfort.
04
Tensile roof inspired by traditional Viking turf house design.
05
Constructed with durable woven-coated polyester for weather resistance.

The site near the inner volcanic crater of Hverfjall in Iceland presents an opportunity for visitors to engage closely with the natural landscape. The design focuses on access and interaction, featuring a movable staircase and a building structure that can rotate. These features encourage exploration, allowing individuals to experience the unique geological formations from different perspectives.

Movable Staircase
A key element of the design is the staircase, which operates via a lever system. This staircase can rotate upwards and downwards, allowing visitors to reach varying heights and achieve a closer view of the crater. With a total rotation of 30 degrees, the staircase provides flexible viewing angles that enhance the experience of the landscape.

Rotatable Structure
The building includes a rotatable base made from circular and square steel frames. This design allows for a complete 360-degree rotation around a central point. By enabling movement, the structure encourages visitors to appreciate the different views of Hverfjall. The design effectively combines accessibility with an immersive experience of the surrounding natural beauty.

Sheltered Spaces
At the base of the building, there is an inner space that offers shelter from inclement weather. This feature is important in Iceland's often unpredictable climate. The sheltered area allows visitors to stay comfortable and protected, making it possible to enjoy the site throughout the year. The design demonstrates an understanding of how architecture can respond to environmental challenges.

Roof Design
Taking inspiration from traditional Viking turf houses, the roof consists of a tensile structure that connects with the landscape. This design respects historical techniques while utilizing modern methods to ensure durability. The materials used, such as woven-coated polyester and Poly Tetra Fluoroethylene (PTFE), provide resistance against weather conditions. The roof contributes to the overall aesthetic and functional harmony of the structure with its rugged surroundings.

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