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

Project in-detail

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

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