Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cave-Inspired Pavilion Featuring Natural Wood and Abundant Light

Authors:
Colin Heinz, Tim Mehr
Cave-Inspired Pavilion Featuring Natural Wood and Abundant Light
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Inspired by cave forms and constructed with natural wood, the pavilion merges cultural heritage with modern design, serving as a venue for exploring Iceland's film history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Viking tent structures to emphasize a connection with nature.
02
Utilizes large floor-to-ceiling windows for enhanced natural light.
03
Incorporates cave-like forms in the interior layout for fluid movement.
04
Features a cinema for showcasing Iceland's film heritage.
05
Constructed primarily from wood to align with sustainable practices.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is located in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. It draws on the country’s rich culture and history, reflecting the traditional tent structures used by the Vikings. This design emphasizes a close relationship with nature and serves a dual purpose of being a cultural landmark and an engaging space for visitors to explore Iceland’s cinematic past.

Design Concept

The pavilion’s shape resembles a tent, which connects it visually and contextually to its surroundings. This form helps it stand out in the landscape, making it easily identifiable. The design encourages visitors to approach and experience the space, positioning the building as a significant part of the local area.



Interior and Light

Large windows cover much of the facade, allowing natural light to enter the building. This connection between the inside and outside spaces creates a warm atmosphere that invites exploration. The beautiful landscape of Iceland becomes a living backdrop for visitors inside the pavilion, enhancing their experience.



Cultural Engagement

The ground floor functions as a key area that connects historical context to modern experiences. The layout includes forms inspired by caves, linking to ancient ways of living. A cinema on this level offers visitors a chance to learn about Iceland’s film history, creating a space for cultural engagement that complements the overall purpose of the pavilion.



Materiality and Sustainability

The design focuses on sustainable practices, notably using wood as the primary building material. This choice is consistent with ecological construction standards aimed at lowering environmental impact. While the specific details of the materials may not be fully outlined, the intention is clear: to create a building that fits well within its natural surroundings.



The pavilion ultimately demonstrates a thoughtful approach to architecture. It combines light, form, and practical use, all while respecting the cultural and environmental aspects of Iceland.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete 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). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 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

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 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
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
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 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
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
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
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

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