Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Volcanic Façade Enhances Community Space Through Thoughtful Zoning

Author:
Konstantina Maragkopoulou
Volcanic Façade Enhances Community Space Through Thoughtful Zoning
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Inspired by the surrounding volcanic landscape, the new coffee shop utilizes a carefully crafted façade that establishes a visual dialogue with its environment while providing a communal space for social interaction and cultural engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Iceland's volcanic landscapes, the design employs a façade that harmonizes with its environment.
02
The coffee shop features a bent A-frame structure that enhances spatial dynamics and user experience.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and durability suitable for local weather conditions.
04
An exhibition hall is integrated to foster cultural engagement and community events.
05
Large windows strategically placed maximize natural light and create a connection to the outdoors.

The project integrates an existing building with a newly constructed coffee shop, set against the unique backdrop of Iceland's volcanic landscape. The design concept highlights the relationship between the old and new, creating a dialogue that enhances both functionality and visual appeal. The layout emphasizes community engagement, providing spaces for social interaction and cultural activities.

Functional Layout

The ground floor showcases key features like a café, bar/kitchen, exhibition hall, office, storage, and restrooms. This thoughtful arrangement prioritizes accessibility and encourages movement throughout the space. The café and bar/kitchen are central areas designed for socializing, while the exhibition hall promotes cultural engagement, linking the building to the community.

Vertical Integration

The first floor mirrors the ground floor's layout, ensuring consistency in function and feel. This repetition of key spaces further supports a welcoming atmosphere, allowing multiple activities to occur at once. The design thoughtfully addresses user experience, making it easy and intuitive for visitors to navigate the building.

Façade and Aesthetic

The east elevation of the coffee shop draws inspiration from the surrounding volcanic terrain. This connection to the environment is reflected in the building's appearance, creating a visual harmony with the landscape. The thoughtful arrangement of forms and openings in the façade adds character while remaining sensitive to its context, allowing it to fit into the surrounding area.

Spatial Relationships

An exploded isometric projection illustrates how different areas interact within the design. This perspective makes clear the relationships between spaces and how they encourage flow and connectivity. The layout is carefully considered to enhance user experience, making the building more functional and inviting.

Large windows in the café allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm atmosphere. This design choice not only enhances the overall experience but also encourages a connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. The careful attention to these details underscores the project's commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone.

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