Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Visitor center featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles integrated within the Icelandic landscape

Authors:
Jasmine Noubi wabeu, Margot Claisse victoire
Visitor center featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles integrated within the Icelandic landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled between tectonic plates, this visitor center utilizes cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles to create a seamless connection with Iceland's rugged landscape while offering panoramic views of its geological wonders.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design integrates a tensegrity structural system, allowing for an airy and lightweight appearance while maintaining durability against harsh weather conditions.
02
It features extensive use of recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
03
The building’s elevation pathways include transparent glass floors that provide unobstructed views of geological formations beneath the visitor center.
04
Charred wooden shingles are employed not just for aesthetic appeal, but also for enhanced weather resistance and longevity in Iceland’s climate.
05
The visitor center is strategically positioned to serve as an educational hub, promoting awareness of the geological dynamics between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The architectural project "Deep Chasm · Deep Charm" is a distinctive exploration of space that engages intimately with the natural landscape of Iceland, particularly the geological phenomena resulting from the gap between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This project serves both a functional and experiential purpose, designed to act as an observatory that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the unique geological context.

At its core, the project represents a harmonious dialogue between architecture and nature, allowing individuals to experience the natural beauty of the Icelandic landscape while facilitating a deeper understanding of its geological history. The primary function of this architecture is to provide a platform where visitors can observe and appreciate the intricacies of the earth's formations, facilitating learning about tectonic movements and geological processes.

The design features two interconnected towers that symbolize the tectonic separation, reflecting the underlying drama of the landscape. These towers are constructed using a tensegrity system, a method that combines elements of tension and compression to create a lightweight yet robust structure. This approach not only reduces material usage but also enhances the visual experience of levitation, allowing the towers to rise gracefully above the earth without overwhelming their surroundings.

Important elements of the design include viewing platforms that extend outwards, offering panoramic vistas of the geological fault line and the surrounding terrain. The spatial organization focuses on verticality, with multiple levels designed to promote engagement at different heights. The first level serves as a welcoming reception and lounge area, promoting initial interaction and providing necessary amenities. As visitors ascend to the higher levels, they are greeted with glimpses of the breathtaking landscape through strategically placed openings and glass floors, which create an immersive connection with the world below.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. One notable aspect is the use of local materials that resonate with the natural environment, reinforcing the idea of sustainability and conservation. By utilizing materials that reflect the geological characteristics of the region, the project not only integrates seamlessly with its surroundings but also emphasizes a commitment to environmental responsibility. The integration of transparent materials further enhances the visitor experience by blurring the lines between the built environment and nature, allowing for uninterrupted sightlines and fostering a sense of openness.

Visitors are encouraged to navigate the space through both staircases and elevators, each route designed to enhance the experience of ascending. The sensory journey is further enriched by views that shift and transform with each step, inviting contemplation and reflection on the geological history encapsulated within the landscape.

In essence, "Deep Chasm · Deep Charm" is a thoughtful architectural project that succeeds in harmonizing human expression with the raw beauty of nature. Its design and functionality come together to promote a deeper understanding of Iceland's geological significance, encouraging visitors to engage with the land in a meaningful way. For further insights, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illuminate the project's intricacies, interested individuals are invited to explore the detailed presentation of this unique architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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