Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vortex-Inspired Structure Combining Clay Brick and Community Engagement for Environmental Integration

Vortex-Inspired Structure Combining Clay Brick and Community Engagement for Environmental Integration
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Drawing inspiration from natural storm formations, the conical structure crafted from locally sourced clay brick serves as a community observation tower that integrates seamlessly with the South Dakota landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's design mimics the swirling motion of storm clouds, creating a unique visual impact in the landscape.
02
Locally sourced clay bricks are used to enhance sustainability and connect the structure to its environment.
03
Viewing pods integrated into the spiraled ascent offer framed perspectives of the surrounding terrain.
04
Community artisans participate in the brick-making process, fostering local engagement with the project.
05
An integrated water feature at the base reflects the tower and enhances the sensory experience for visitors.

## Overview
Storm Tower, located in South Dakota, is designed as an observation tower and cultural landmark. This structure draws inspiration from natural phenomena, specifically the imagery of a swirling vortex, symbolizing a connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The intent is to create an engaging space that harmonizes with the landscape while offering an interactive experience for visitors.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience
The design incorporates an approach that positions the tower as a focal point visible from Highway 14, attracting visitors from a distance. Upon arrival, individuals embark on a spiraled pathway leading to a 15-meter observation deck, which provides varied perspectives of the South Dakota landscape, including views of Big Slough and Silver Lake. The circulation path enhances visitor engagement through intentional pauses for reflection as they ascend.

## Material Choices and Architectural Characteristics
Storm Tower's distinct conical form reflects natural storm dynamics, featuring multiple levels for both indoor and outdoor experiences. The use of clay brick ensures durability and sustainability, with interlaced textures mimicking natural forms. Concrete and steel provide necessary structural integrity while maintaining a minimal visual footprint. Water features at the base create a reflective pool that connects visitors to the nearby ecosystem while enhancing the interior's natural light. This thoughtful material selection underscores a commitment to environmental harmony and local engagement through community involvement in the construction process.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Celebrating Visionary Design: The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026 celebrates visionary unbuilt architectural projects that explore creativity and innovation. Open to architects, designers, and students worldwide, the competition welcomes submissions in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²).

With a total prize fund of €100,000, each category winner receives €20,000, alongside student prizes of €5,000 and a €10,000 Best Presentation Award. Winners will also be featured internationally and presented with the Continuum Trophy designed by Germans Ermičs.

Registration runs from 31 October 2025 to 23 September 2026, with submissions due by 20 October 2026 and results announced on 1 December 2026. More information is available at architecturecompetitions.com 

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
Final registration deadline 23 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
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

Recurring architecture competitions

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
Final registration deadline 23 September 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
Advance registration deadline 24 September 2026
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

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