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 Thermal Mass Form A Sustainable Cliffside Residence

Authors:
Anna Yablochnikova, Hira Fayyaz
Charred Wooden Shingles And Thermal Mass Form A Sustainable Cliffside Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and large expanses of glass, the residence harmoniously integrates with its cliffside location while providing a sustainable home designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize carbon footprint.
03
Features expansive glass surfaces that provide uninterrupted landscape views.
04
Includes a central courtyard that acts as a light well for natural illumination.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

The Home of Shadows is a residential architectural project located on the cliffs of Reykjavik, Iceland. This design emphasizes a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape while prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency. The dwelling serves a dual purpose: as a comfortable living space for its occupants and as a structure that harmonizes with the natural environment. By focusing on the relationship between indoor and outdoor areas, the project maximizes natural light and views.

The overall design features five primary rooms arranged around a central courtyard that functions as a light well. This layout enhances both transparency and accessibility, allowing occupants to experience the natural beauty surrounding the home. The living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and a flexible additional space all benefit from direct connections to the courtyard, promoting a sense of community while offering individual retreats within the home.

Sustainable Design Strategies

A key aspect of the Home of Shadows project is its commitment to sustainability. The architecture utilizes natural ventilation, energy-efficient materials, and innovative design elements that reduce environmental impact. The selection of materials such as concrete, glass, wood, and stone reflects a thoughtful consideration of local resources and climate conditions. The integration of green roofs and vertical gardens not only improves insulation but also contributes to local biodiversity.

The design uniquely addresses the challenges posed by the Icelandic climate and topography, providing shelter from harsh winds while still allowing ample sunlight into the living areas. This careful consideration of environmental factors showcases the project’s focus on creating a comfortable and functional living space.

Integration with the Landscape

The Home of Shadows stands out due to its intentional design that promotes a strong connection to the surrounding cliffs and nature. The architecture enhances the site's natural features rather than detracting from them. By positioning large windows and balcony doors, the design allows unobstructed views of the landscape while enabling light to fill the interiors.

The play of light and shadow within the living spaces is a significant detail that adds to the ambiance of the home. This dynamic interaction allows residents to experience different moods throughout the day, reinforcing a connection between interior and exterior environments.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Home of Shadows will provide further insights into the architectural ideas behind this project. By examining these elements, readers can appreciate the innovative approaches taken in its design and the thoughtful integration with the Icelandic landscape.

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

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

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
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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