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 Stone Shelter with Glass Panels Seamlessly Integrating into Natural Terrain

Authors:
Ádám Farkas, Alex Quintus, Péter Salavecz, Fruzsina Gölles
Volcanic Stone Shelter with Glass Panels Seamlessly Integrating into Natural Terrain
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Defined by its angular glass façade and reinforced concrete structure, the design integrates seamlessly with the volcanic landscape while serving as an accessible visitor center for the surrounding cave environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to integrate with volcanic topography through an angular glass façade.
02
Utilizes reinforced concrete panels to enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Incorporates extensive glazing for optimal natural light and landscape views.
04
Features an observation level that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding terrain.
05
Landscape design includes local stone to minimize ecological impact and enhance aesthetics.

The Iceland Cave Tower is an architectural project that exemplifies a sensitive response to its natural surroundings. Designed to complement the unique geological features of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, the structure serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. It is intended as a visitor center that enhances access to a naturally occurring cave while providing facilities for tourists and researchers interested in the region's geology.

The primary design focus was to create a seamless integration between the built form and the landscape. The architecture acknowledges the existing topography and employs materials that harmonize with the local environment. Its sharp, angular silhouette references the rugged mountains, creating a distinct presence while promoting a sense of continuity with the site's natural features.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Iceland Cave Tower is its use of glass reinforced concrete panels combined with extensive glazing. This choice of materials facilitates an open visual connection to the exterior, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interiors while minimizing the carbon footprint. The transparency of the design aids in merging indoor spaces with outdoor vistas, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

The building is organized into distinct functional zones, including public, semi-public, and private spaces, ensuring efficient flow and access. The ground floor serves as the main entry point, housing visitor services, a café, and information displays. These facilities are designed to orient visitors while providing them with comfort. The innovative layout includes a mezzanine that fosters interaction among visitors, while the upper observation level offers panoramic views, enhancing the overall experience of the site.

Functional Aspects and Details

In addition to its visitor-oriented facilities, the Iceland Cave Tower integrates sustainable design principles. The use of local stone in landscaping minimizes ecological impact, while advanced insulation techniques reduce energy consumption. Natural ventilation strategies are employed, promoting a healthy indoor environment that aligns with the project's ecological goals.

Architectural elements such as the angular façade and sloped roof not only contribute to the building’s visual identity but also serve practical functions. The roof design aids in shedding snow and rainwater, while the strategically placed openings optimize daylighting and views, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape actively.

For those interested in exploring the Iceland Cave Tower further, it is recommended to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs available. These resources provide deeper insights into the design principles and functional applications that make this project a noteworthy case study in contemporary architecture. The Iceland Cave Tower stands as an example of how architecture can coexist with nature while fulfilling critical visitor functions.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 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