Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cork-Structured Guest Houses Integrated with Solar Panels for Ecological Tourism

Author:
Roman Karpov
Cork-Structured Guest Houses Integrated with Solar Panels for Ecological Tourism
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Cork-studded structures equipped with photovoltaic technology blend seamlessly into Iceland's landscape, offering sustainable guest accommodations that foster a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork is used as the primary structural material for insulation and environmental sustainability.
02
Each guest house features movable foundations, allowing for site adaptability.
03
Solar panels are integrated into the design for efficient energy self-sufficiency.
04
Large glass panels provide panoramic views while maintaining thermal regulation.
05
The design includes advanced water management systems for sustainability.

### Overview

The Solarvörn (Solar Shield) project is situated in the diverse landscape of Iceland, designed as a series of guest houses that integrate ecological sustainability with cultural relevance. These structures feature an autonomous life support system, enabling mobility across the natural terrain. The project emphasizes a connection between visitors and the surrounding environment, utilizing renewable energy sources, particularly solar panels, to align with current sustainability practices in architecture.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The arrangement of buildings across the site demonstrates a deliberate integration with the landscape, optimizing views while minimizing environmental impact. The design encompasses not only individual guest houses but also communal areas, including a dining space, spa facilities, and observation areas for nature engagement. Each guest house is designed with a functional flow between floors, featuring living areas, kitchens, sanitary spaces, and terraces that promote indoor-outdoor interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials has been employed in this project, emphasizing both sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Cork serves as a primary structural material due to its lightweight and renewable characteristics, providing effective insulation. Concrete offers durability against Iceland's challenging weather, while large glass panels enhance natural light and create visual continuity with the exterior landscape. Additionally, wood is used in decking and walkways to introduce warmth and contrast to the concrete and glass elements.

The design includes advanced water management systems, allowing for the recycling of pool water for landscaping needs, further reflecting an environmental stewardship commitment. The guest houses are designed for mobility, ensuring adaptability for future requirements, while hybrid energy systems capitalize on solar power alongside lithium-ion storage solutions for efficient energy management.

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
Final registration deadline 23 July 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
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
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
Final registration deadline 23 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

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
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
Final registration deadline 30 September 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