Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Solar-Illuminated Paths and Structural Steel Towers in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Alessio Comandini, Samuele Gori, Federica Marchi, Michele Sdruccioli
Solar-Illuminated Paths and Structural Steel Towers in Icelandic Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Solar panels atop steel pyramids illuminate pathways leading to caves, while a tower composed of structural steel and wooden elements integrates seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, serving as a hub for exploration and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's shape is designed to enhance natural light penetration into the interior.
02
Pyramids vary in height to provide functional seating and illumination.
03
Solar panels on the tallest pyramid contribute to off-grid energy needs.
04
The project employs a modular design, allowing for potential relocation.
05
Carvings in the tower create unique vantage points for users.

The design project is situated in a landscape that merges with its surroundings, fostering a close relationship between nature and structure. Designed as an "in situ" work, the tower modifies the landscape while also allowing itself to be shaped by the environment. Through various openings and carvings, users are encouraged to engage with the space, promoting exploration and interaction with both the building and the site.

Concept and Movement

Movement is a central theme in the design. The architecture supports a journey for users, facilitating a flow that connects the inside with the outside. The ability to disassemble and reassemble the structure means it can adapt to different contexts, offering flexibility in its use. As individuals navigate through the space, they discover different viewpoints, enhancing their experience of the environment.

Pyramids and Pathways

The pyramids serve as guiding elements along the path to the nearby caves. Designed at three heights—100 cm, 160 cm, and 210 cm—each pyramid has a specific function. The shortest is designed for seating, while the tallest incorporates solar panels for nighttime lighting. This combination of practicality and visual appeal strengthens the overall character of the design.

Energy and Sustainability

Energy considerations are important, with projected requirements at around 25,000 kWh each year from the nearby Bjarnarflag power station. This approach minimizes the impact on the environment while supporting the design's essential features. The thoughtful integration of energy sources reflects a commitment to ecological responsibility within the project.

Construction details are laid out clearly, starting with the assembly of a structural frame consisting of cylindrical beams, ball joints, and ground joints. This is followed by the installation of stairs and plasterboard walls for bathrooms and kitchen areas. Key components, such as H-section beams for holding glass, wooden beams, and laminated glass, contribute to the building's function and look. Paths created by steel pyramids guide visitors toward the caves, enhancing usability and the visual landscape experience.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 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