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 wooden shingles within a rugged landscape

Authors:
Peter Sushch, David Sushch
Visitor center featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles within a rugged landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled within Iceland's breathtaking terrain, this visitor center seamlessly blends cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles to create an engaging hub that educates and connects visitors with the stunning natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The visitor center incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability while providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels used in the construction are sourced from local forests, promoting sustainable forestry practices and reducing the project's carbon footprint.
03
Charred wooden shingles on the exterior offer both a modern aesthetic and long-lasting protection against harsh weather conditions typical of the Icelandic climate.
04
The layout features an integrated trail network that encourages visitors to explore the natural environment while seamlessly connecting the center to its surroundings.
05
Interactive educational displays throughout the center highlight local geology and ecology, fostering a deeper understanding of the area's unique natural heritage.
The architectural project in focus showcases a harmonious integration of design, functionality, and context within its geographical setting, located in the compelling landscapes of Iceland. This project stands as a significant architectural endeavor that reflects a deep connection to local culture and heritage while embracing contemporary design methodologies. The structure represents an important convergence of natural beauty and built environment, embodying the essence of the local vernacular in a modern guise.

Functionally, the project serves multiple purposes aimed at enhancing visitor interaction with both the architecture and the surrounding environment. It comprises a café, exhibition spaces, and various learning centers, creating a versatile hub for education and engagement. The facility is designed to accommodate diverse activities, making it a focal point for community gatherings and educational initiatives, as well as offering individual visitors an opportunity to explore and learn about the rich geological and cultural narratives unique to the region.

One of the noteworthy aspects of this architectural project is its thoughtful layout, which emphasizes seamless circulation. The careful organization of spaces allows for easy movement throughout the building, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The inclusion of trails and thoughtful parking facilities further integrates the project within the landscape, fostering an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration.

The design employs a range of materials that reflect both traditional and modern sensibilities. Glass provides a strong connection to the outside environment, saturating interior spaces with natural light and offering panoramic views of the striking Icelandic scenery. Wood is utilized thoughtfully, invoking warmth and creating a tactile experience that resonates with the natural surroundings. Stone is incorporated as a grounding material, providing durability and enhancing the building’s contextual relevance amidst the rugged landscape. Additionally, metal cladding elements serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, ensuring longevity and protection against the harsh weather conditions typical of the region.

Architecturally, the form of the building mimics the organic contours of the nearby mountains. This curvilinear approach reinforces the visual harmony between the architecture and the natural environment, promoting a sense of unity. The design's organic shape facilitates natural circulation and interaction, allowing visitors to experience varied perspectives as they move through the space. The strategic placement of courtyards and upper decks enhances the user experience, offering moments of tranquility and reflection amid the active engagement spaces.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the incorporation of sustainable practices and a focus on community involvement. The project does not solely serve as a physical structure but also functions as an educational platform that promotes awareness of local ecology and cultural heritage. Through its exhibitions and programs, the architecture encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape's narratives, enhancing their appreciation for both the built and natural environments.

The thoughtful orchestration of architectural ideas manifest in this project provides a rich tapestry of experiences for its users. Visitors are invited to explore various architectural plans and sections to gain a better understanding of how each element serves the overarching narrative of the structure. The design remains responsive to its surroundings, creating a space that not only fits within the landscape but also elevates the visitor experience.

We encourage you to delve deeper into the project presentation to uncover the intricate details and innovative architectural designs at play. Explore the architectural plans and sections to fully appreciate the unique approaches that define this project and understand how it contributes meaningfully to its context and community.
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