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 Heating Define Sustainable Lakefront Living

Authors:
Alexandrina Mateeva, Tsvetelin Tsvetanov, Tsvetelina Bacheva
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Heating Define Sustainable Lakefront Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Combining charred wooden shingles and a geothermal heat system, this lakefront residence offers a sustainable retreat that harmonizes modern living with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance both durability and ecological performance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and thermal insulation.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and panoramic views.
04
Integrates a ground source heat pump for energy-efficient heating.
05
Each guesthouse includes composting toilets to minimize environmental impact.

### Overview

Located on the northeastern part of a site adjacent to a lagoon, the residential design for MY Lake House integrates contemporary architectural practices with sustainable principles. The intent is to create a space that facilitates both intimate and social interactions among its occupants while harmonizing with the natural landscape.

### Spatial Organization and Architecture

The design emphasizes a balanced coexistence with the site's topography, utilizing zoning strategies that differentiate personal retreats from communal areas. The arrangement of the structures guides visitors on a progression from forested spaces to extensive lagoon views, promoting a sense of exploration. The architecture features sharp angles and varying heights, with the main house positioned at a 45-degree angle to maximize sunlight exposure. This unique geometry contributes to a contemporary aesthetic while minimizing the ecological impact on the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and functionality. Key elements include:

- **Wood**: Incorporated in the structural framework and internal finishes, wood adds warmth and connects the interior with the natural surroundings.
- **Glass**: Expansive glass panels in the main house facilitate natural light entry and provide panoramic views of the lagoon, enhancing the occupants' connection to the environment.
- **Metal Cladding**: Durable black metal roofing and siding are selected for their modern appearance and resilience to harsh climatic conditions.

Additionally, the project incorporates a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), which directly utilizes groundwater for heating without disrupting local ecosystems. This feature, along with the use of green roofs on the guesthouses, illustrates a proactive approach to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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

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

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