Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Volcano Exhibit with AAC and Aluminum in a Nature-Inspired Visitor Center

Author:
Zahra Ali-shapiro
Volcano Exhibit with AAC and Aluminum in a Nature-Inspired Visitor Center
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The Volcano Exhibit rises within a two-story tower constructed with AAC and aluminum, offering visitors a space for reflection and engagement with the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Volcano Exhibit serves as the focal point within a two-story tower.
02
AAC construction provides lightweight, fire-resistant benefits.
03
Accessible ramp enhances visitor engagement and inclusivity.
04
Carefully framed vistas connect the interior with the landscape.
05
Communal areas promote social interaction and relaxation.

The design is set in a special landscape that encourages visitors to connect with their surroundings in a thoughtful way. The concept, known as "Dés Vu," focuses on heightening awareness of the present moment through a well-planned structure. This rest center along a popular path promotes reflection and interaction with nature. The architecture invites people into a rich experience, leading them on a journey that merges the built space with the landscape outside.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is deliberate and helps guide visitors through different experiences that encourage contemplation and engagement. A key feature is the Volcano Exhibit, located in a two-story tower. This central point is reached through a ramp that accommodates all visitors, allowing everyone to participate fully. As they move upwards, changes in the size and acoustics of the spaces create an engaging atmosphere, deepening the connection to the natural world.

Visual Integration

Great care is taken with visual lines, which are set up to frame beautiful views of the surrounding environment. These carefully designed sightlines invite visitors to engage with the outdoors, making the landscape an important part of the experience. The way light and shadow play within the building adds to a calm and thoughtful atmosphere, enhancing how people feel while inside the space.

Materials and Sustainability

The chosen materials are key to supporting both practical use and visual appeal. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is used for the building's exterior. This material offers insulation, structural support, and fire safety, all while being lightweight. Using AAC aligns with goals for sustainability and energy efficiency. The roof includes prefabricated modular panels, which make installation easier and also allow for greenery. Aluminum cladding is selected for its ability to withstand weather, ensuring that the building remains durable over time.

Design Details

Every element of the design aims to create areas that foster connection and a sense of awareness. Communal spaces, like the café and lounge, are designed to be welcoming, encouraging social gatherings and relaxation. Attention to detail is evident throughout, as the combination of materials and spatial designs helps visitors engage fully with the environment. Carefully placed views guide the transition between the indoors and outdoors, enriching the entire visitor experience.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

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
Final registration deadline 30 September 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
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 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
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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