Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Spiral Structure of Corrugated Metal and Timber Integrating Geothermal Sustainability Amidst Iceland's Natural Landscape

Authors:
Bogdan Shevchenko, Fabian Egle, Hannes Siefert
Spiral Structure of Corrugated Metal and Timber Integrating Geothermal Sustainability Amidst Iceland's Natural Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The spiral form of the tower, clad in durable corrugated metal and enhanced by geothermal heating, draws visitors into an immersive experience that blends seamlessly with Iceland's unique landscape while serving as a focal point for exploration and discovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's spiral design allows for a gradual ascent, enhancing the visitor experience through varied perspectives of the landscape.
02
Constructed with durable corrugated metal, the tower’s exterior references the rugged Icelandic environment while ensuring longevity.
03
Geothermal heating is integrated into the visitor center, utilizing the site's natural resources for energy efficiency.
04
The visitor center incorporates large windows to maximize natural light and views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
05
The unique placement of the service building minimizes its visual impact, maintaining the focus on the cave and tower elements.

The architectural project situated at the Grjótagjá Cave site in Iceland integrates human intervention within a unique geological landscape. This project represents an effort to enhance the visitor experience while showcasing the cave's natural beauty and geothermal features. The main components include the Iceland Cave Tower, a visitor center, and a service building, all thoughtfully designed to align with the ecological and geological context of the site.

The Iceland Cave Tower serves as a focal point, drawing visitors to the site while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The design features a spiral form, allowing visitors to ascend and experience the changing vistas. This visually compelling structure is constructed from durable red corrugated metal, a choice that reflects Iceland's natural environment while ensuring longevity against harsh weather conditions.

The visitor center is strategically positioned between the natural formations and the tower, functioning as a reception area that welcomes tourists. The design prioritizes large windows to maximize natural light and views of the landscape. The use of warm timber for its finishes adds a tactile quality to the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, the incorporation of geothermal heating exemplifies the project’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The service building supports the functionality of the site, housing necessary facilities while maintaining the architectural language established by other structures. Its thoughtful placement ensures that it integrates seamlessly into the overall design, ensuring that operational needs do not detract from the visitor experience.

Innovative design approaches set this project apart from traditional visitor centers in similar locations. The integration of the cave's geological features into the architectural layout allows for a unique relationship between the built environment and natural landscape. The emphasis on sustainability through the use of geothermal energy and local materials reflects an understanding of environmental stewardship. In addition, the design encourages exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to engage with both the architecture and the natural world.

In summary, this architectural project at Grjótagjá Cave distinguishes itself through its contextual sensitivity and innovative use of materials and design. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for further details.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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

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

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
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 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