Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat

Authors:
Hyunggyu Kim, Kwang Min Lee, Victoria Lee, Brian Luce
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled composite materials, the design merges traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern sustainability practices to create a communal living space in Iceland's highland region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sloped roof for efficient snow management and water collection.
02
Incorporates recycled fishing net material for unique interior texture.
03
Combines traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern construction techniques.
04
Features modular sleeping pods to enhance communal flexibility and privacy.
05
Integrates renewable wind energy solutions for self-sufficiency.

**Location and Context**
The project is situated in Iceland’s rugged landscape, characterized by heavy snowfall and high winds, requiring a design that addresses these climatic challenges. Drawing inspiration from traditional Viking longhouses, the architecture aims to facilitate interaction with the natural environment while providing essential shelter. The intent is to create a space that fosters community among occupants while promoting sustainable living practices.

**Architectural Form and Materials**
The design features a bold, sloped roof that effectively manages heavy snowfall, allowing for efficient water collection that channels melted snow into integrated storage systems. The facade employs a grid of glass panels and lightweight wooden structures, ensuring both transparency and insulation. Material choices include wood for structural supports, glass for natural lighting, recycled composite panels for reduced environmental impact, and weathering steel for durability. Interior spaces incorporate recycled fishing nets to echo local culture, while hollow steel tubes provide a lightweight and robust structural framework.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
Interior arrangements emphasize communal living while allowing for privacy through modular sleeping arrangements. Movable partitions and adjustable furniture enhance flexibility, accommodating groups such as hikers or research teams. Key features include a spacious dining area designed as a central gathering point, alongside individualized sleeping pods that balance privacy with the openness of the overall design. The layout contributes to a sense of community while maintaining functionality for varied user needs.

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
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 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