Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Triangular Structure With Corten Steel and Green Roofs Emphasizing Natural Views

Author:
Wojciech Chojnacki
Triangular Structure With Corten Steel and Green Roofs Emphasizing Natural Views

Project in-detail

Defined by its triangular form and Corten steel accents, the building integrates green roofs to enhance thermal performance while offering stunning views, serving as a multi-functional space for a café and exhibitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular shape inspired by local volcanic formations.
02
Corten steel provides weather resistance and evolves over time.
03
Green roofs enhance thermal insulation and biodiversity.
04
Movable curtain walls allow flexible exhibition configurations.
05
Strategically oriented to maximize views of surrounding landscapes.

The Beacon is a building designed to connect with its surroundings while serving various functions. Located in Iceland, it houses a café, office spaces, and exhibition areas, engaging visitors with the natural landscape. The design concept centers around the idea that architecture can bridge the gap between human-made structures and the environment.

Design Concept

The triangular shape of the building takes inspiration from local natural formations, such as the shattered stones found at Stóragja cave and the volcanic rootless cones of Skútustaðagígar. Each triangle directs attention to the nearby mountains and lakes, offering both visual interest and a sense of place. This intentional geometric layout allows the structure to blend with its landscape, emphasizing its connection to the site.

Spatial Organization

The building's layout distinguishes between public and private areas, promoting interaction while maintaining functional order. The upper level functions as both a café and a viewpoint, accommodating up to 40 visitors. Large glass curtain walls let in natural light and provide excellent views, creating a comfortable space for patrons to enjoy refreshments and the landscape.

On the central level, workspaces are designed to maximize daylight and flexibility. Private offices, meeting rooms, and social areas are separated by glass curtains, allowing for openness while providing privacy when needed. This layout encourages collaboration and easy movement throughout the building, making it suitable for a range of activities.

Materials and Sustainability

Materials chosen for the building enhance its relationship with the environment. Local substrate is used for roof coverings to improve thermal performance and ensure proper water flow. Corten steel serves for exterior surfaces, which will change over time, reflecting the local climate. Green roofs add sustainability features by providing insulation and recreational spaces during warmer months, echoing regional building traditions.

Flexibility is a key element, particularly in the exhibition area on the main entrance level. Movable curtain walls allow for adaptable space configurations, accommodating different types of events and exhibitions. This design approach meets current needs while remaining versatile for future requirements.

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