Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Turf Walls Embracing Volcanic Forms in Community Spaces

Author:
Marcelo Ramos Soto
Turf Walls Embracing Volcanic Forms in Community Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With turf walls that echo the region's volcanic landscape, the design creates a functional community space integrating a Coffee Shop, Information block, and Exhibition Hall.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf walls designed to reflect traditional Icelandic building practices.
02
Integrated water reservoirs within each program block for functionality.
03
Volcanic-inspired layout enhances the connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Access ramps promote inclusivity and ease of movement throughout the space.
05
Internal distribution supports fluid circulation between the Coffee Shop and Exhibition Hall.

The design presents a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Icelandic architecture, inspired by the characteristics of turf houses. Located in a landscape defined by geological features, the layout consists of three distinct program blocks: a Coffee Shop, an Information block, and an Exhibition Hall. These blocks are arranged to evoke the form of a volcano, reflecting the natural environment and emphasizing the relationship between the structure and its surroundings.

Usage of Turf Materials

Turf walls and turf roofs are key components of the design, following local building traditions. These materials serve a practical purpose, providing thermal insulation and energy efficiency. By using natural materials, the design highlights sustainability while connecting to Iceland's architectural heritage.

Functional Efficiency

Each block includes essential facilities such as water reservoirs, W.C. facilities, and storage areas, ensuring that the design is functionally effective. The arrangement allows for easy movement among spaces, enhancing the user experience. Attention has been given to the flow of areas, with access ramps and platforms designed to facilitate navigation while connecting the various blocks.

Spatial Arrangement and Enclosures

The internal organization supports an open flow between different spaces. Turf walls create sheltered environments that offer comfort and maintain a connection to the landscape outside. This thoughtful spatial arrangement fosters interaction and helps users engage with both the architecture and the natural setting.

A defining aspect is how the three blocks visually integrate to reflect a modern take on volcanic forms. The careful alignment and variation in height create a dynamic skyline against the Icelandic backdrop. This relationship with nature contributes to a coherent architectural identity, one that respects and acknowledges the surrounding environment.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
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
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

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
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
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

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