Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Terraced Observation Spaces Integrated with Natural Cave Features

Author:
Michael Barnard
Terraced Observation Spaces Integrated with Natural Cave Features

Project in-detail

Terraced observatory spaces seamlessly integrate with natural cave formations, providing visitors with panoramic views and a unique connection to the surrounding landscape while serving as a visitor centre.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terraced design enhances visual access to the landscape.
02
Sun-path analysis optimizes natural light throughout the building.
03
The structure integrates with existing cave formations.
04
Panoramic observatory provides unique vantage points.
05
Charred wooden shingles contribute to weather resilience.

The Iceland Cave Tower Visitor Centre is located in a region rich with unique geological features. It serves as a destination for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Iceland. The overall design integrates the built environment with the landscape, creating a functional space that enhances the user experience and respects the surrounding ecology.

Design Concept

The design focuses on verticality, allowing the structure to have multiple levels that support different functions. This thoughtful arrangement encourages visitors to engage with the landscape and benefit from ample natural light. Careful consideration of sun-path analysis helps to optimize light exposure inside the building while providing comfort throughout various seasons.

Spatial Organization

The elevations of the visitor centre illustrate its connection to the landscape. The west and south elevations highlight how the structure interacts with the terrain, creating a visual link between the building and the natural features around it. Section drawings clarify how the design promotes efficient circulation, while also providing areas for visitors to pause and take in their surroundings.

Public Experience

Common areas, such as the cafe, are important elements of the design. Strategically placed within the visitor centre, the cafe encourages social gatherings and interactions among visitors, fostering a sense of community. The Bridge Observatory offers its own perspective, inviting occupants to enjoy expansive views of the breathtaking landscape.

Approaching the centre reveals a sequence of terraces that step down the site, allowing for natural transitions between building and terrain. Each terrace offers a unique viewpoint, celebrating the richness of the surrounding scenery and inviting visitors to connect with their environment.

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