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 Geothermal Energy Define a Sustainable Recreation Center in an Alpine Landscape

Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Energy Define a Sustainable Recreation Center in an Alpine Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by geothermal energy, the recreation center harmonizes with Iceland's alpine landscape while providing a multifunctional space for community engagement and outdoor activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes wind resistance while maximizing panoramic views.
04
Utilizes geothermal energy systems to achieve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
05
Designed as a community hub, offering multifunctional spaces for both recreation and social interaction.

### Overview

Located in the Rjúpnavatn region of Iceland, the UFO project by M6WJ+PR5 is designed to harmonize with the region's unique alpine landscape, characterized by its geological contrasts of fire and ice. The intent is to create a functional space that also reflects and engages with the natural environment, enhancing visitors’ experiences while providing practical facilities.

### Spatial Integration and Accessibility

The master plan illustrates a deliberate integration of the structure within the site's topography, optimizing spatial orientation to maximize dramatic views of the landscape. Key components of the design include a ski lift station for convenient access to winter sports and well-defined pathways that enhance navigation and accessibility. This thoughtful planning not only accommodates the physical needs of visitors but also fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency

The construction employs a selection of materials that balance functional performance with aesthetic considerations. A robust steel framework, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, is complemented by large glass facades that facilitate natural light and provide expansive exterior views. The incorporation of photovoltaic technology within a prominent tower underscores a commitment to renewable energy, while insulated panels enhance thermal efficiency. This careful selection of materials contributes to both sustainability and the overall sensory experience of the built environment, inviting users to connect with the space on multiple levels.

### Interior Arrangement and User Experience

The interior layout features versatile spaces, including interactive lounge and dining areas that cater to varying group sizes and activities. Essential facilities such as locker and shower rooms support the needs of visitors engaged in outdoor activities. Natural materials, including timber and textured surfaces, create an inviting atmosphere that reinforces the connection to the landscape. The spatial organization promotes a dynamic flow between areas of relaxation and recreation, enriching the overall user experience.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

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
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 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
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
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

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